If you’ve ever owned an electric vehicle, you’ve probably noticed the range benefit that comes with turn off your heat or air conditioner. As long as the temperature is relatively moderate, it shouldn’t be a big deal. Just put on a sweater when it’s chilly, and you’ll be fine. But when the temperature drops low enough, you’ll want the cabin to be warm enough to feel comfortable. So Ford engineers investigated alternative methods of heating the cabin that could be more energy-efficient than just running a traditional heater.
Motor1 report that Ford engineers used electric E-Transit trucks to study heated interior panels to increase range. That includes heating more traditional things like the seats and steering wheel that the driver actually touches. But what’s more interesting is that they also experimented with heating other interior surfaces that radiate heat throughout the cabin. The reported results show a 13% reduction in energy use.
The study was conducted as part of a larger study of how many factors affect electric vehicle range, including weather, traffic and road conditions. That would help Ford estimate better range for individuals, but it reportedly sees greater value for fleet operators, giving them a more accurate estimate of the range of routes. individual will eat up based on the cargo load of the truck. It will also improve Ford’s ability to provide “eco-routing” that helps choose the best route to a destination based on time of day, battery charge demand and other factors.
We’re not talking exact world-changing range numbers here based on amazingly groundbreaking technology, but the small improvements here and there still add up over time. Especially in commercial applications, where motorists typically travel farther each day than the average American.
