Does Cold Weather Affect EV Batteries?
Cold weather introduces unique challenges for electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in performing and maintaining efficiency. While many know that extreme temperatures can impact battery performance, the specifics being reduced range, slower charging times, and diminished energy retention are common issues faced during harsh winter conditions, often leading to increased charging frequency and longer time spent charging. Understanding these impacts is key to optimizing EV performance and preparing for seasonal challenges.
With the assistance of a temperature chamber, automakers can test and discover how their products withstand various temperatures before even bringing them to market. Learn more from our Associated Environmental Systems (AES) team about the challenges an electric vehicle battery faces in cold weather and how temperature chambers can help.
Challenged EV Performance in Cold Weather
Cold weather presents significant challenges for EV performance, impacting both fuel economy and driving range. For instance, when temperatures drop from 75°F to 20°F, EV fuel economy decreases by 8%. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that driving range is reduced by 12% under these conditions—and when the cabin heater is used, the range can drop as much as 41%. This is because heating the cabin consumes a significant portion of the battery's energy, with approximately two-thirds of the extra energy usage attributed to this factor.
It's worth noting that cold weather affects all vehicle types, not just EVs. Gasoline-powered cars can experience a 10%–20% reduction in fuel economy during city driving, while hybrids face an even more significant drop, ranging from 20%–40%. However, EVs are uniquely sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their reliance on battery performance, making solutions to winter-proof EV batteries increasingly important as adoption grows.
What causes these issues, and why do they occur? The root of the problem lies in the battery's electrochemical processes. Within lithium-ion batteries, energy is generated as lithium ions move through a liquid electrolyte. However, as temperatures decrease, these electrochemical processes slow down significantly. The lower temperature reduces the mobility of lithium ions within the electrolyte, inhibiting their ability to transfer energy efficiently. As a result, the battery's capacity to deliver and store energy diminishes, leading to reduced range and overall performance.
Temperature Chamber Testing for EV Batteries in the Winter
Environmental testing helps businesses worry less. With a temperature chamber, such as one from AES, you can learn more about the quality of your products by testing EV batteries in cold weather or harsh conditions.
What Types of Battery Testing Can You Do in Cold Weather?
- New and improved battery chemistries
- Safety and durability of batteries
- Range and charge of batteries in cold temperatures
At AES, we offer a wide range of temperature chambers optimized for battery testing, including safety features. From benchtop environmental test chambers to walk-in chambers, each chamber can meet the most demanding test requirements and is designed to fit within your personal lab space. Additionally, various temperature chambers, including the SC-508-4-SAFE, known as the Super 508, can integrate with our ATP® (All Test Platform) battery testing fixtures. These integrated solutions feature two fixtures built specifically to accommodate the high-density battery testing required for the newest wave of EVs: ATPHEAVY and ATPHEAVY ADAPTABLE.
EV Battery Technology: How AES Can Help
EV battery technology is rapidly changing. Companies such as General Motors are working on creating batteries that can lower costs and have longer ranges. By combining two battery chemistries such as nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), GM hopes to provide more resilient batteries to consumers who live in colder climates.
Future of EV Batteries
Together, we can change the future of EV technology. EV batteries in cold weather don’t have to be a dangerous mix. Test your way to efficiency with the support of our temperature chambers. When you’re ready, get in touch with a sales engineer at AES. We look forward to finding an ideal solution for you.
