physicsofx
Member
I think the climate in the northeastern US is under represented in the EPA range estimates for electric vehicles. I would welcome a figure that stated something like "highway range" at say 75 mph. The "cold" weather is very often well below 0 C and combined with slush, ice, snow on both the car and the road. These represent some of the worst case scenarios for range that I have encountered. The seat heaters and steering wheel heat work well but leave very very cold feet and can leave a frosted windshield in our area.
If the car is parked outside overnight in temps of 0 to 20 F (not plugged in) and you set off on a highway trip at high speeds, the range could easily be 50% less than EPA rating if conditions are poor enough (this is quite common in my area).
More insulation for the sub zero options package would be desirable for some customers (me). I don't know if using the heat pump would reduce energy consumption while driving at 75 mph when the temperature is 15 degrees F for example. Making the cabin so that leaks of cold air are eliminated and some insulation would help. For now the superchargers are the solution for long trips.
If the car is parked outside overnight in temps of 0 to 20 F (not plugged in) and you set off on a highway trip at high speeds, the range could easily be 50% less than EPA rating if conditions are poor enough (this is quite common in my area).
More insulation for the sub zero options package would be desirable for some customers (me). I don't know if using the heat pump would reduce energy consumption while driving at 75 mph when the temperature is 15 degrees F for example. Making the cabin so that leaks of cold air are eliminated and some insulation would help. For now the superchargers are the solution for long trips.