TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE THERMAL LIMITS OF CHARGING THE CADILLAC ESCALADE IQ

EV Channels Review

This video delves into the thermal limitations of charging the Cadillac Escalade IQ, specifically testing the 10-80% charging speed without climate control. The reviewer highlights a significant performance difference when the vehicle's AC is running, drastically reducing charging speeds. Without climate control, the Escalade IQ initially charges impressively, hitting 363 kW and holding peak power for a substantial portion of the battery. However, the vehicle's thermal management system eventually throttles charging speeds considerably, even without AC, leading to a 46-minute 10-80% charge time. The reviewer notes that GM's charging strategy, which prioritizes cabin cooling over battery cooling, is a key factor. While the Escalade IQ is praised for its luxury features and impressive range, its charging performance is hampered by these thermal constraints and the need for potential dealer-installed software updates, which is seen as a drawback compared to over-the-air updates from competitors. The video suggests that charging on lower-peak chargers might offer a more consistent, albeit slower, charging experience due to reduced thermal stress on the battery pack.