Why doesn't the Model S have a small 2-3 gallon diesel tank for a cabin heater? It would provide instant heat and not drain the battery. It seems like such an obvious solution.
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EarlyAdopter
Active Member
Babylonfive
Power12
It is obvious, as you say. But it comes with obvious consequences: the need for a way to put that fuel in the car, the need for a way to burn that fuel to create heat, and of course the emissions and safety issues that come with all of that. As a matter of principle, Tesla does not want to burn liquid fuels for anything inside the car.
Puyallup Bill
Member
Simplest reason is that it is not needed.
The heater and heated seats in the Model S work wonderfully. The range with the heater is fine, just rememer 2 very simple things: plug it in at home each night, and fully charge at the superchargers when road tripping. That's it. It really is that simple.
The heater and heated seats in the Model S work wonderfully. The range with the heater is fine, just rememer 2 very simple things: plug it in at home each night, and fully charge at the superchargers when road tripping. That's it. It really is that simple.
I completely agree except that I think the heater should also keep the battery pack warm.
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/13833-Gasoline-heater-for-Winter-driving
Using the motive power battery for heating, whether cabin or battery pack seems a very inefficient use of the power.
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/13833-Gasoline-heater-for-Winter-driving
Using the motive power battery for heating, whether cabin or battery pack seems a very inefficient use of the power.
if you are having trouble getting the car warm enough, keep in mind that it is designed to be prewarmed on shore power. you can use this function liberally in more extreme cold starting a good 30+ minutes before you depart. getting the system all primed and ready to go helps keep the cabin nice and toasty for even pretty long drives.
That's all true and I doubt an extra heater would make much sense for people in moderate climates. However, in places where temps regularly get down to 25F or below there's a real issue if you can't plug in, e.g. at an airport. The range losses while driving at low temps is also real, the aerodynamic cooling of the battery seems to require a significant amount of power. While there are some increased losses due to higher air density, most of the range loss in cold temperature seems to be just keeping the battery warm.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
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