Quote:
Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout
Yes my post was absurd. Almost as absurd as EV drivers being stranded.
Gasoline powered cars do have batteries that lose effectiveness in cold weather. This isn't a new phenomenon.
The article isn't some sort of 'gotcha' but more of a 'no s***' we already live with this.
Is it really that different from knowing you need to fill your gas tank?
|
I think you're underestimating the absurdity of your own post.
Gasoline-powered (ICE) car:
- 12V unit: Only battery needed, required to start engine and fire spark plugs, run accessories (HVAC, stereo), is recharged by petrol engine via alternator as long as the motor is running. If the 12V battery can at least start the engine (isn't too old, high enough CCA rating), then short of a faulty alternator, the loss of capacity in cold weather isn't an issue.
EV; two batteries:
- 12V unit; 12V unit powers accessories and is recharged as the vehicle is driven, so loss of capacity is not an issue.
- Main vehicle battery: Is responsible for basically the entire operation of the vehicle; propulsion, transmission. Is only recharged through a) regen. braking (so a non-factor on the highway), and b) being plugged in.
Loss of capacity in cold weather directly correlates with reduced range.
The only parallel between ICE cars and EVs in this context is that they HAVE batteries. Battery capacity is directly tied to range in an EV where that relationship simply does not exist in an ICE vehicle. Now consider you're driving from Alberta eastward (destination Sask. or MB) where charging infrastructure is not nearly as mature and built-up as it is out west and also where it gets bloody COLD. If you're not careful with planning your trip, or the weather takes an unexpected turn, you could very well come up short of making it to the charger you'd planned on. Provided you aren't putting your foot into it, ICE range is relatively consistent once the engine has reached operating temperature, and the refueling infrastructure to support it is in abundance pretty much anywhere there's a paved road (and some
not paved).
Hell, we live in a place where you can get a 30 degree temperature swing over a 24 hour period. If that happens and you suddenly have 50% less range than you had planned on, you better have a charging outlet nearby.