Ev Car Batteries

[Hopkirk]

I notice that some electric cars have water or air cooled batteries.

Do they get hot while being charged,or in use?

Can the heat be used to warm the cabin?

[Ryzen]

Yes the cells need cooling whilst under load or charging and require heating in cold conditions. Cabin heat is generally via a small unit powered from the 12v system.

[Hopkirk]

Don't tell me the car won't go when it's really cold.

[barry1010]

Hopkirk, it will go but not as far and could take longer to charge.

[Ryzen]

The cells become less efficient when close to freezing..so a trickle from the LV or HV will keep them happy.

[Hopkirk]

My next car will be electric, which is why I'm trying to build my knowledge.

I don't like the thought that when I put the heating on full, I eat into my range.

Having said that, I won't need long range anyway. I do like the thought I can heat it up before I get in.

[barry1010]

If you are not going to be using the car for long drives you will have nothing to worry about. Be aware, though, that electric cars are heavier than their petrol equivalents so will need to be handled differently in ice and snow.

[Ryzen]

Generally it dont come from the main cell pack..it comes from the 12v system.... via a heat exchanger, fed from cell cooling..or a heat pump on the 12v.This can give heat in winter and cooling in summer.

[Ryzen]

The cell packs are distributed evenly across the chassis of the vehicle giving better balance..unlike the engine driven option where you get one heavy lump at the front generally.

[Hopkirk]

I heard you can't jack them up at one corner, because the weight can distort the body.
Is that true?

There's no room for a spare wheel anyway, but the RAC might need to fit an emergency spare.

[Hopkirk]

I suspect it was fake news, and you can jack a corner up to change a wheel

[barry1010]

Yes, you just have to be sure that the jack is in the proper place.
Tyres wear out much more quickly on an electric car than its petrol equivalent, though