EV Trucks in Extreme Weather
As we reach the middle of winter and temperatures continue to drop, many drivers worry about how this will affect their EV. With temperatures dropping to below freezing in some areas, this may shorten the battery life and range on a standard electric vehicle (EV).
How Does Temperature Affect Battery Life?
Much like a phone battery, colder temperatures can affect EV battery life. The battery in an EV uses chemical reactions to generate energy. This energy is then used to power the vehicle. These reactions happen slower when the battery is cold, making it harder for the vehicle to get going. But with the Government pushing for a zero-carbon Britain by 2050, many businesses are looking to adopt EVs into their fleets. The question around EVs and extremely cold temperatures is a big one.
To answer that question, Volvo has been testing their newest electric vehicles. Volvo has been testing its line of electric trucks in Sweden to assess the effects of extreme cold. The manufacturer sent a fleet of their electric trucks to northern Sweden near the article circle.
Preconditioning
The weather in this area is unforgiving, and drivers face harsh winds and an average temperature of -25°C. This gives Volvo the perfect testing ground to see how their truck hold up in extreme conditions. The new fleet comes with a program called Ready to Run. This feature keeps the battery operating at an optimal temperature. The best temperature for the battery to work most effectively is +25°C. This feature allows the drivers to precondition the vehicle using an app. This preheats the truck up to optimal temperatures before the driver sets off. Preconditioning while the vehicle is still plugged in allows the battery to reach the right temperature without using any stored energy. The battery then has more energy to work more effectively and travel further.
Drivers can also use the Ready to Run feature in extreme heat. It cools the battery and the cab to optimal temperatures for the same effect.
Volvo says this is a major step into a greener future for the logistic industry. They aim to have EVs make up 50% of all fleet vehicle sales by 2030.
Volvo says this is a major step into a greener future for the logistic industry. They aim to have EVs make up 50% of all fleet vehicle sales by 2030.
Comment
Jessica Sandström, SVP Product Management at Volvo Trucks said:
“Our tests have shown that it works very well to operate our electric trucks in these really cold environments. We are driving the change and have a leading position in the European market for electric truck”.
Useful Links
If you want tips on how to extend the range of your electric vehicle click here – https://www.cambriancards.com/10-ways-to-improve-the-range-of-your-ev-video/
EV Trucks in Extreme Weather
