Yes, preconditioning the cabin and battery can improve EV range in cold weather by using grid power to warm these components while the vehicle is still charging, preserving battery capacity for driving. This process involves heating the cabin and battery to optimal temperatures before departure, typically via a phone app or departure schedule, which reduces the need to drain the battery for these functions during the trip.
Key points:
- Reduces cabin heating load: Preconditioning uses external power to heat the cabin and battery, avoiding energy drain from the battery during driving.
- Optimizes battery performance: Warming the battery improves its efficiency, counteracting the slowdown of chemical reactions in cold temperatures.
- Real-world impact: Consumer Reports notes this strategy helps mitigate the ~25% range loss observed in cold weather.
By preconditioning while plugged in, EVs reserve more battery charge for driving, effectively improving usable range in winter conditions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-preconditioning-the-cabin-and-battery-improve-ev-range-in-cold-weather/
