Have you ever wondered how your EV’s HVAC system works?
Conventional vehicles use the engine’s heat to heat up your cabin during the cold months of the year.
But how do EVs manage this same task efficiently?
Image Credt:Tesla
Gasoline-powered cars also use a belt-driven compressor for the AC, which is powered by the vehicle’s engine.
The question is, how do EVs manage their AC system without an engine?
How Does the Air Conditioning Work in an Electric Car?
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In normal vehicles, the compressor is one of the most important parts of an air conditioning system.
This is done through an engine-driven belt that ultimately spins the compressor.
Well, the answer is pretty straightforward if you consider the power source for an electric vehicle.
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EV compressors are powered by an electric motor with power from the battery.
How Does the Heater Work in an EV?
Depending on the electric vehicle, the cabin’s heating method can vary.
When considering an electric car versus a conventional internal combustion vehicle,EVs are more efficient.
In the case of electric vehicles, heating your cabin requires extra energy.
If the nearest charging station is a ways off, the entire situation can get a bit scary.
No wonder some folkssuffer from range anxiety!
How Do Heat Pumps Help Keep Your EV Warm?
Heat pumps are very efficient contraptions that can be used to heat your vehicle’s interior.
Tesla has begun implementing this technology across their entire lineup of vehicles.
One of the main reasons is that during the winter months, many EVs suffer from loss of range.
This is obviously a dilemma that needs to be addressed.
The heat pump is a great solution because it works like a conventional air conditioning system.
These elements work in unison to provide heat for electric cars during winter.
The heat pump is more efficient than resistors for heating.
The refrigerant passes through the compressor, resulting in a higher-pressure gas at a higher temperature.
This process cools the refrigerant, which becomes a liquid once again.
While this is true for extreme cases, the heat pump will work absolutely fine in most winters.
Whenever you’re shopping for your next EV, double-check to ask if the vehicle is equipped with one.
