Range and Heat

[Ghost Ryder]

We all know that cold weather affect range, but apparent high heat also affect range. Did you guys noticed any decrease range with the recent heat wave? If so, how much was it affected?

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[Fins160]

I wouldn’t say decreased range, but you can extend range even father with pre-condition. I noticed that I get increased range if I pre-condition in extreme heat (Phoenix, 110+), even when parked in a garage. 2022 Select RWD SR with 19” aero wheels. With no precondition my range is 240mi, with pre-condition I get 250. I posted specifics in another thread.

 

[Fins160]

Conveniently got some real world numbers today on this. Tempe to Tucson and back. 2022 MachE Select RWD SR. 19” aero wheels.

110F external temp with no clouds per the weather service, car read 113F. Went from 100% to 7% over 189 miles, 95% at 75mph HFBC (works AMAZINGLY on I-10). At those numbers, total range would be 196 miles.

2.8 mi/kWh. 85% went to driving, 3% to accessories, 12% to Climate Use, 0% to Exterior Temperature. So if I didn’t use any climate control (not really feasible in those kind of temps, I might have been able to get 220mi vs 196 total miles if I went 100% to 0%. I think I could have “gained” that back by dropping my speed to 70 or so if I needed it.

 

[Maquis]

Conveniently got some real world numbers today on this. Tempe to Tucson and back. 2022 MachE Select RWD SR. 19” aero wheels.

110F external temp with no clouds per the weather service, car read 113F. Went from 100% to 7% over 189 miles, 95% at 75mph HFBC (works AMAZINGLY on I-10). At those numbers, total range would be 196 miles.

2.8 mi/kWh. 85% went to driving, 3% to accessories, 12% to Climate Use, 0% to Exterior Temperature. So if I didn’t use any climate control (not really feasible in those kind of temps, I might have been able to get 220mi vs 196 total miles if I went 100% to 0%. I think I could have “gained” that back by dropping my speed to 70 or so if I needed it.

2.8 at 75MPH is pretty decent.

 

[macchiaz-o]

Great report, @Fins160! That seems like pretty good efficiency to me.

My vehicle is also reporting an estimated range that's a bit over 240 miles. I never use preconditioning. I think last week it was reporting around 255 at full? So it's fluctuating a little bit.

I think this range estimate is fairly accurate to my usual driving habits... roughly 50/50 highway and surface streets. It's good to get examples like yours so I'll know how to conservatively adjust for longer highway trips like the one you did today.

@Ghost Ryder, there is some range hit from increased demands for cooling (for the battery pack, electronics, and occupants), but it doesn't seem anywhere near as significant as the winter time impacts that folks in colder climates experience.

My bigger concern is about long term permanent capacity loss from extreme heat. There's nothing I can do about that though, shy of moving, so it is what it is and I just trust that the active cooling systems in the Mach-E are managing to limit these impacts as much as is reasonable. Lack of active cooling is my primary reason for never owning a Nissan Leaf... It's a non-starter for Phoenix for me (Though I do see Leafs around here every once in awhile.)

 

[AKgrampy]

I would think if you have to crank the AC you will lose range just like running heat in winter. Just not the additional hit due to low battery temps.

 

[Maquis]

I would think if you have to crank the AC you will lose range just like running heat in winter. Just not the additional hit due to low battery temps.

Summer is always better.
1. AC is more efficient than resistance heat.
2. The temperature differential is much less. (100 - 70 vs 70 - 20, for example)

 

[Fins160]

I will say that the Ford trip planner was a bit off for this trip initially. It assumed I would return home with 20% battery, but in fact I arrived home with 7%. A bit closer than I would prefer. However, once I was on the highway, it adjusted quickly to assume I would arrive home with 10-15 miles to spare, which was correct. Either way avoided a charge with confidence!

 

[Guss-E 2021]

My experience this summer reflects the data in this article. Here in New England, it's been mostly in the mid 80's. AC on Auto, one bar at 70°F. I've been doing 70 - 75 mph on the highway. Seeing 2.5 to 3.0 miles/kW. In town and on 45 mph roads I'm regularly seeing 3.5 or better. Of course wind and elevation and acceleration from a stop always factor in. I have not been paying attention to the GOM because range simply is not an issue in my daily driving (even in the winter). I've just been driving my car as I like. The tourists have been especially stupid this year, so I'm doing a lot more passing and evasive maneuvers. . All in all, really happy with Sheeba right now. Can't wait for BC 1.3. But, yah, at least in the 80's no material impact that I see. Oh and I park in a garage.

https://insideevs.com/news/677131/summer-weather-affects-ev-range-less/

 

[RickMachE]

I see 2.9 to 3.0 at 70 degrees and low 70s mph, so 2.8 in extreme heat is great!

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