Do any cars have electric heaters?

The engine in an electric car does not generate heat, so EVs must use specially designed heating and cooling systems. Maintaining the right temperature in the cabin in winter is not only a matter of driving comfort, but above all safety, since the windows must not be fogged up or frosted. You should know how an air conditioning system works in order to use it optimally. 

The principle of air conditioning in the car 

The air conditioning system works in conjunction with the car's heating system and is responsible not only for cooling the interior in summer, but also for warm air in winter. The common element of both systems is the refrigerant, which, depending on the mode of operation, receives heat from the heater or is cooled in the radiator. Circulation of the refrigerant at as high pressure as 17 bar is forced by a compressor driven by a multi-ribbed belt, which in turn transmits the drive from a pulley on the engine's crankshaft. In the cooling system, the refrigerant enters a condenser cooled by a momentum of air or a fan and changes from a gaseous to a liquid state. From there, the liquid is transported to a dehumidifier and then an expansion valve, where it transforms into a -4 °C gas. It then cools the evaporator, through which the air blown into the cabin flows. In a heating mode, on the other hand, the same refrigerant takes heat from the engine and transfers it to the heater, which heats the air flowing through it. An engine-driven fan is responsible for blowing cooled or heated air into the cabin. Knowing how air conditioning works in a combustion car, it is easier to understand the principle of this system in electric cars. 

Air conditioning system in an electric car – what is the difference? 

The electric motor does not emit heat, but this does not mean there is no heating in the car. The mechanism of operation of cooling and heating systems in electric cars is actually not very different from those found in combustion cars. The main difference is the power source of the compressor. It is not the crankshaft in this case, but the batteries for electric cars. Compressors in EVs have their own built-in electric motor, an inverter that converts direct current drawn from the battery into AC, and a separator that separates the compressor oil from the refrigerant. Among the advantages of the solution, where the compressor is powered directly from the battery, is the ability to run the air conditioner while parked, with the engine off. In new electric cars you can also find a heating system based on a heat pump, which somewhat resembles the split air conditioners used to heat buildings. The air-to-air heat pump can operate in both heating and cooling modes. In a heating mode, the warm air it produces is directly blown into the cabin, while in cooling mode it goes to a condenser, followed by a dehumidifier, expansion valve and evaporator. The heat pump is also powered by a lithium-ion battery using an inverter. 

How to heat the interior of an electric car? 

Turning on the car's heating increases the energy demand for the compressor, which in the case of electric cars is associated with faster battery drainage. Given the small number of fast chargers and the extended battery charging time in cold weather, BEVs seem like a good option only for city trips, and that's provided you have your own charging point at home. However, there are ways to reduce the electricity consumption of electric vehicles and hybrid cars in winter. First, preheat the car's interior even before hitting the road. It's best to plug it into a charger, or if that's not possible, set it up in a sunny location. Secondly, while driving, it is a good idea to turn on the economy mode that reduces the energy consumption of individual systems to a minimum. If the car is equipped with heated seats and steering wheel, you can set the interior temperature to the lowest level or opt for no heating in the car. However, energy consumption for heating the interior depends not only on skillful energy management, driving speed and battery operating temperature, but also on the type of heating and proper insulation of the car's interior. 

The use of fan heaters 

There are several different types of heating in electric cars, but the most common is an electric heater connected to a blower. Although the power of such heaters is mostly small, as low as 2 to 4 kW, in negative temperatures they greatly accelerate the process of battery drainage. It has even been tested in practice how long an electric car battery lasts in winter. Tests conducted by the American Automotive Association showed that in temperature conditions below -7°C, the average range of an electric car drops by up to half compared to optimal conditions of 24°C. This problem does not occur in warm climatic conditions, but in northern Europe or America, for example, where there are sometimes very harsh winters, the use of such heating in the car can make it impossible to travel long distances outside the city. 

Advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump in the car 

Heat pump is an increasingly common type of heating in electric cars. By properly compressing and expanding the heating medium, free heat energy drawn from outside can be used to heat the vehicle cabin. Tests in winter conditions have shown that this requires less energy than a traditional system with an electric heater, but only within a certain range of outdoor temperatures. At temperatures between 0 and 10°C, the heat pump is estimated to consume about 1 kW of energy, so it saves 1-2 kW for every hour of operation. At lower temperatures, the situation changes to the disadvantage of the heat pump. It is also often emphasized that the heat pump is a good solution only if the car is used for city driving and has a battery with a relatively small capacity. If the car is to cover longer distances, it is more profitable to invest in a model with a more capacious battery and a system based on a traditional resistance heater. 

High Voltage Heater – what is it and how does it work? 

The High Voltage Heater (HVH) is a device that is small in size and weighs just 2.7 kilograms, yet is very efficient. Unlike heat pumps, this technology is based on a water heating model instead of air heating. It can be used for both maintaining a comfortable temperature in the cabin and preheating or cooling the traction engine. The HVH heater is designed to operate over a wide range of supply voltages from 100 to 450 V, while its maximum heating power is as high as 7 kW. The high efficiency of this solution makes it applicable to large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. The most common application of this technology is electric parking heating of the driver's cabin used in trucks, but it is also successfully used in passenger cars. Automobile design is increasingly combining all of these technologies in various combinations, or using the most comprehensive solutions possible to provide the greatest benefits. 

Insulating materials and the range of an electric car 

A very important aspect from the point of view of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the vehicle cabin is not only to produce heat or cold efficiently, but also to retain it where it is needed. In this regard, automotive components made of EPP foamed polypropylene, which features excellent thermal insulation, impact and deformation resistance, and minimal weight, are perfectly applicable. Even today, EPP has become a leading material that is widely used by car seat manufacturers. Among other things, it is used to manufacture seat fillings, headrests, armrests or car door panels, and even body components for passive safety. The excellent moldability and electrical properties of this material have also led to its use in the production of batteries for electric cars. Battery components molded from it protect sensitive cells from extreme temperatures, surges and mechanical damage. Thus, they make it possible to increase the range and safety of electric cars in many ways. 

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Electric cars have come a long way in recent years, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

But, as any electric car owner will tell you, one of the biggest challenges with these vehicles is keeping warm during the colder months. Enter the electric car heater! This unsung hero may not be as glamorous as the EV battery or electric motor. Still, it plays a crucial role in making the electric car ownership experience comfortable and enjoyable all year round. Our website visitors are way more interested in EV subscription than non-electric cars, so we decided to research this and write this detailed guide!

In this article, we'll take a closer look at how the heaters in EVs work, their benefits and limitations, and how manufacturers work to overcome some of the more pressing challenges. So, let's dive in and get toasty!

How electric car heaters work

There are a few options available for keeping warm in an EV. The two most common electric car heaters are resistive and heat pumps. Resistive heaters are being phased out, and most early EVs were equipped with them, but we'll explain how they work anyway!

Resistive heaters are similar to the ones you might find in a traditional non-EV car. In simple terms, an engine creates heat by operating. That heat is then used to warm up the car. However, due to the nature of electric vehicles, they are highly efficient and produce little heat, so they are less efficient than heat pumps.

The main advantage of a resistive heater is its simple design, low manufacturing cost and easier maintenance. However, it is less energy efficient than a heat pump, as it converts around 60-70% of the electrical energy into heat, while the rest is wasted as heat loss.

The first generation of the Nissan Leaf (released in 2010) had a resistive heater. Heat pumps were relatively undeveloped technology then, so newer models have switched and completely dropped their use.

On the other hand, a heat pump works by warming up the outside air and transferring it into the car's cabin. This type of heater is more energy efficient, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 2-3, meaning it can transfer 2-3 units of heat for every unit of electrical energy it consumes.

However, it can be more complex and costly to manufacture, requiring additional components such as a compressor, evaporator, and condenser. This also means more things can break. But think of it like a reverse air conditioner for your car! 

Having said that, when the team looked into some of the newer EVs, we found that some come equipped with both a resistive heater and a heat pump. When it goes very cold, think -10C, the heat pumps may struggle a little bit, so the resistive heater can help keep you warm when behind the wheel! 

Looking for a new EV and want one with a heat pump as standard? You should check out the following models:

Advantages of EV heaters

When it comes to electric car heaters, there are certainly some advantages that make them worth considering. Let's take a look at a few of the key benefits.

First and foremost, they are are far more energy efficient than traditional cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). As we've discussed earlier, resistive heaters convert around 60-70% of the electrical energy into heat, while heat pumps have a coefficient of performance (COP) of around 2-3. This means that, compared to ICE car heaters, EV heaters are more efficient in energy utilisation.

Another advantage of these heaters is that they can help save you money in the long run. Because the car's battery powers them, you won't have to worry about buying and paying for fuel to keep your vehicle warm.  Plus, since electric cars are cheaper to operate, you'll save money in more ways than one.

In some electric cars, the heater can be used to preheat the cabin while the car is still plugged in and charging, which can help to conserve battery power for driving. And you can do that remotely! Now that's handy! This is especially useful when driving in winter (see our latest tips!)

Finally, they can help improve the overall driving experience. With non-EVs, you have to wait for the engine to warm up before you can start enjoying a comfortable cabin temperature. But with an electric car, the heater can be turned on as soon as you get into the car so that you can enjoy a warm and comfortable cabin right away. In addition, electric car heaters are typically quieter, which can improve the overall driving experience.

Challenges and limitations

As with any technology, electric car heaters have a few challenges and limitations. While these may seem like a hindrance, it's important to keep in mind that manufacturers are actively working to overcome these obstacles.

One of the biggest challenges is their impact on the car's range. When the heater is turned on, it can significantly reduce the car's range, as it consumes a lot of energy. This can be particularly problematic in colder climates where the heater is used frequently.

However, manufacturers are working on mitigating this issue, such as using regenerative braking to top up the battery while driving or developing more energy-efficient heaters.

Another challenge is the cost of the heat pump, which is relatively higher than a resistive heater. This makes it difficult for some manufacturers to include it as standard equipment in their cars. However, as the technology matures and economies of scale come into play, the cost is expected to come down.

At the time of writing, we could find heat pumps as optional add-ons on more premium trim levels. So be prepared to fork out anything between £600 and £1,200 for the privilege! Luckily most of the UK doesn't get as cold as North America, but it may be worth it if you live in Scotland.

What do people say about these heaters?

My dad’s flight was delayed… ✈️ but no biggie we just watched TV in the car while we waited. Heat pump keeping us warm ☺️ Can any other car brand do this? pic.twitter.com/D4AvyKuiEI

— Tailosive EV (@TailosiveEV) December 17, 2022

Tips to prolong the life of an EV heater

Like we mentioned above, heat pumps are a bit more complex and perhaps may be harder to fix, so there are few things one can do to make sure problems are avoided:

• Turning off the heating when not needed can be a simple way of reducing its wear.
• You should have your electric vehicle's heating system checked, and serviced, regularly to make sure it is operating efficiently.
• Use your car app to remotely schedule the heating so you have more control over when its used.
• Avoiding extreme temperatures (hot or cold) if possible by keeping the car in a garage or covered.
• Overheating can cause damage to the electric car heater's components, so it's important to avoid this by not using the heater at high settings for extended periods of time.

Our conclusion

To sum up, electric car heaters are essential to the electric car ownership experience, especially for those living in colder climates. They provide a comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective way to keep warm during the colder months. 

If you are thinking of switching to an EV, check some of the best electric cars you can subscribe to (without the long-term commitment). Or search for available vehicles today!