Understanding the Battery Range Loss in Electric Cars When Idling
Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the automotive industry, offering several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. However, concerns about range loss in EVs, especially when idling, are valid and have been widely discussed. This article aims to clarify these concerns and provide insights into how EVs manage to maintain their range even when stationary.
How EVs Operate
Unlike ICE cars that idle with the engine running, EVs do not require this idle state. The core principle behind an EV is that the motor is connected to the wheels only when the vehicle is in motion. When the car is stationary, the motor is not engaged, which means the battery does not lose power in an idling state. This is a stark contrast to ICE cars, which continue to run the engine when the car is stopped.
EVs Do Not Idle
Given that EVs do not have an idling mechanism, there is no significant range loss due to idling. While some ICE cars can idle for extended periods, EVs simply do not consume additional energy when stationary. This is because EVs stop sending power to the motor when the car is not moving, thereby conserving battery life.
Minor Battery Draw
Although EVs do not idle, they may consume minimal power when parked. Modern EVs typically use a small amount of power to keep the internal systems running, such as the HVAC system, infotainment, and instruments. However, these systems draw very little power, so the impact on the range is minimal.
A recent example from a blizzard that stranded many motorists on the East Coast of the US illustrated the contrast between EVs and ICE cars. Despite claims from EV skeptics that EVs would be far more vulnerable in such conditions, the reality was quite different. EVs were able to maintain their cabin heating and remained operational for extended periods, whereas ICE cars faced more challenges in maintaining their heat due to frequent restarts and reduced fuel supply.
Actual Power Consumption While Idling
EVs' minor power consumption while stationary can vary. When parked with the HVAC off, some modern EVs report a consumption of 0.5kW. However, this value may be rounded up, as demonstrated by the observation that turning on both seat heaters can still result in the same 0.5kW draw. In practice, leaving an EV in a driveway for two hours will not cause a noticeable drop in the battery bar, but leaving it for longer will result in the vehicle turning off to conserve energy.
For most users, the EV will be parked in a parking lot while they wait for services or do minor tasks like eating. In such scenarios, the battery consumption can be around 1kW when using the air conditioning and up to 1.5kW when the AC is at its peak. The heating system typically uses around 1kW, with occasional peaks up to 2kW.
Battery Capacity and Usage
Modern EVs have significant battery capacities, often around 60kWh. This means that even with full power consumption, the battery can maintain functionality for a considerable time. For example, using the air conditioning can last for approximately 50 hours on a full charge. Moreover, if you plug in the vehicle while the AC is running, the battery will stay powered indefinitely.
To address extended idling scenarios, some EVs offer special "camping" or "dog mode" settings that prevent the vehicle from automatically turning off while the power source remains active. This setting is particularly useful for camping trips or to keep the vehicle running for pets while you are away.
Conclusion
The concept of "idling" in the context of traditional vehicles does not apply to EVs. EVs maintain a significant range advantage when parked, as they do not consume additional power in an idling state. While minor power consumption can occur to keep systems running, the impact on the overall range is negligible. Modern EVs are designed to optimize battery usage, making them reliable and practical choices for daily use and extended scenarios like camping or prolonged idling.