So I have to take a road trip in an EV, and it’s winter. So I’m going to have to use the AC. I know in my old ICE car I could have the AC off and the fan would blow hot air just from the engine. With my EV it seems to be the same, even with the AC button off the vents are blowing hot air. Is that hot air just heat vented from the battery? Or is it still using battery power for the compressor to heat the air.
I just saw a video from Tesla on their heat pump for cabin heating. As always, they found a way to reduce the number of parts while making the device more efficient. They have some good engineers on staff!
I have been considering a Ford E transit, and wonder how the heating is in that vehicle? Did they just cheap out and use a resistive heater ? If so, that would sure cut the range in the winter. I would have to consider bringing along a portable power pack in the back of the van and run a resistance room heater instead.