Charging an Electric Vehicle While Using the Heater: Is It Possible?
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to charge an electric vehicle (EV) while the heater is running? In this article, we explore how modern EVs manage heat while charging, and whether or not it affects your charging experience. We will also look at specific examples from the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model Y to provide a clearer picture.
Understanding the Balance Between Heat and Charging
When you turn on the heater in your EV, you are consuming power from the vehicle's battery. This power comes from the electric current supplied by the charger. The battery management system (BMS) plays a crucial role in balancing the demand for heat and the need to charge the battery. The BMS ensures that when the battery is not full, the power is used to charge the battery. If the battery is close to full, the BMS will reduce the charge rate to prevent overcharging or reduce heat generation if the battery gets too hot.
Example with the Chevrolet Bolt EV
Let's take a closer look at the Chevrolet Bolt EV. It can draw power from a 30A 240V power source, typical for home charging. After a cold night, the EV is set to warm up for the morning commute to 5:30 AM. At 6kW, the heating system will consume 1kW of the total 7kW available power, leaving the rest for charging. For a physically small vehicle like the Bolt, 6kW is enough to heat the interior, making the battery management system adjust the charging rate as needed.
Heating Efficiency and Charging in the Tesla Model Y
On the other hand, a Tesla Model Y, which has more interior volume and a more efficient heating system, might only use 2kW for heating. Therefore, it can still maintain a charging rate similar to the Bolt, but with fewer batteries to heat. Even in extreme conditions, the BMS will adjust the charging rate based on the current battery temperature and state of charge.
Charging in Cold Weather
When it gets extremely cold, the battery management system will prioritize heating the battery first to prevent damage. Once the battery is heated to an ideal temperature, it can start charging more effectively. For instance, a Chevrolet Bolt EV with a nearly empty battery in a blizzard would start by using 50kW of the 100kW available from a DC Fast charger to power the battery heating. Once the cabin is warm, the charging power will increase to 56kW, with 6kW dedicated to heating the cabin.
Impact on Charging Speed
The rate of charge can also be affected by the battery's temperature. While it might take a while for the battery to heat up initially, it will eventually reach an optimal temperature for charging. Most modern EVs have built-in heating systems that can help speed up this process. As the battery warms up, the BMS will increase the charging rate, resulting in a more efficient charging process.
Charging Policies of Different EVs
While most EVs can charge even when the battery is cold, they do have safety measures in place. For instance, the Tesla Model Y will not charge below 32°F, but it will use a significant amount of power to heat the battery. Once the battery is warm, the charging rate will significantly increase. Tesla's conservative charging policy contributes to the longevity of their batteries, allowing them to maintain their capacity for over a half-million miles in ideal conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, it is indeed possible to charge an electric vehicle while the heater is running. The battery management system ensures that the power is distributed appropriately between heating and charging based on the current state of the battery and the ambient temperature. Modern EVs have sophisticated systems in place to ensure safe and efficient charging, even in cold weather.
Whether you're driving a Chevrolet Bolt EV or a Tesla Model Y, understanding how these systems work can help you make the most out of your EV experience. By managing your charging habits and ensuring your EV stays warm, you can enjoy a comfortable ride while also optimizing your vehicle's battery life.