Ford’s solution for heating electric cars

A solution studied by Ford engineers could put an end to the bad relationship between low temperatures and electric car batteries. Thanks to the use of the air conditioner and the need to maintain operating temperatures in the optimal ranges, the autonomy of electric cars in winter can be reduced even by several kilometers compared to the traditional average. Ford engineers have been called to solve the problem, as part of a project to improve the range of electric vehicles. The heating of the EVs usually takes place with the warm air blown through the air conditioning system.
Alternatively, however, it is possible to heat the internal surfaces. These are surfaces that occupants come into direct contact with, or panels that radiate heat towards the driver and passengers. Both use battery power, but engineers have found that with heated surfaces, energy consumption could be reduced by 13% compared to a standard air conditioner and this would increase the range of electric vehicles by 5% for each single recharge.
“We all know that if the doors or windows are opened when it is colder outside, the temperature inside the vehicle is lowered. This is especially true for delivery vans, as drivers are constantly stopping and the heat provided by the “conditioned air dissipates more quickly, while heatable surfaces stay warm,” said Markus Espig, system engineer, Propulsion Systems Engineering, Ford Research and Innovation Center Europe. “Reducing energy consumption not only improves range, but also reduces costs and contributes to making our way of traveling more sustainable.” The test was carried out with a 100% electric Ford E-Transit equipped with armrests, carpets, door panels, sun visors and a panel under the steering wheel, all rigorously heated. The test involved daily deliveries and other work activities, with average distances of around 350 km. The tests were carried out in winter and summer, on dry and wet roads, in driving rain and wind.