To cabin heat an EV or not to cabin heat — in the cold

Cabin heat

We’ve have seen several mentions to not use the cabin heater in an EV in cold weather — even in vehicles with a heat pump — but to rather use the seat and steering wheel heaters for warmth in order to maintain the vehicle’s high voltage battery charge. This was even a surprising recommendation in a Hybrid manual. And we’re seeing undeniable evidence that this is true.

So we did a video and posted it to YouTube. Sure enough you can watch the range drop as the heat is turned on in the Kia Niro. The drop is 7% immediately. Heat intended to keep the battery warm is now redirected into the cabin. Even an adjustment to the heat settings have a negative impact on range. Both with the blower and temperature.

The Polestar 2 never showed this much sensitivity on screen, but then the car annoyingly only counted down miles in groups of 10. Really hated that. It did give estimated range at the end of a trip when using mapping and that figure would be impacted by the use of heat and particularly when defrosting the windshield.

I’ve learned to use a small amount of cabin heat for only a few minutes at a time. The range tends then to return to normal in between, even in the recent 20 degree weather. A bit of battery and climate control management.

You can see the video on our YouTube channel here.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing could be more true.