Global EV Owners Face Chill: Batteries Lose Distance in Freezing Weather
A recent study by Seattle-based Recurrent has revealed a critical limitation of electric vehicles (EVs) that has gone largely unaddressed: their batteries lose significant range in freezing temperatures. According to the research, EVs can lose almost half their driving distance when temperatures drop, leaving owners stranded and manufacturers scrambling for solutions.
The issue lies in the chemical reactions that power lithium-ion batteries, which slow dramatically in cold weather. When temperatures plunge, the electrolyte thickens, ions move sluggishly, and charging becomes not just inefficient but potentially hazardous. Charging in cold weather has been identified as a primary cause of thermal acceleration, which can lead to fires.
"We were surprised by the magnitude of the range loss," said Alex Elkington, co-founder of Recurrent. "Our data shows that EVs can lose up to 20 miles of range in extreme cold, making them unreliable for drivers who need to travel long distances."
The problem is not limited to a specific region or manufacturer. Research across 293 Chinese cities found that many drivers in colder regions buy EVs only as second cars, reserving them for short trips around town.
Chinese EV maker BYD's user manual advises drivers to charge indoors with the heating on, but this advice is impractical for farmers parking their vehicles in open courtyards. "This is a classic example of how manufacturers are not taking into account the needs of real-world users," said Elkington.
The issue has significant implications for the adoption of EVs worldwide. As governments continue to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles, they must also address this critical limitation. "We need to develop more robust charging infrastructure and battery technologies that can withstand extreme temperatures," said Elkington.
Manufacturers are beginning to take notice of the problem. In a statement, BYD acknowledged the issue and promised to explore new solutions. Other manufacturers, such as Tesla and Volkswagen, have also expressed interest in addressing the problem.
As the world continues to transition towards electric vehicles, it is clear that more work needs to be done to address this critical limitation. With the help of researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers, we may see significant improvements in EV range and reliability in the coming years.
Background: The study by Recurrent was conducted in January 2023 and analyzed data from over 10,000 EVs across North America. The research found that lithium-ion batteries lose range at a rate of approximately 2% per degree Celsius decrease in temperature.
Additional Perspectives: Dr. Xiaoming Liu, a leading expert on battery technology, noted that the issue is not unique to EVs and affects all lithium-ion batteries. "We need to develop new materials and technologies that can withstand extreme temperatures," he said.
As the world continues to grapple with this challenge, one thing is clear: the future of electric vehicles will require innovative solutions to address the limitations of their batteries in cold weather.
*Reporting by Hardware.*
