I'M STUCK IN TRAFFIC IN AN EV & IT’S FREEZING! HOW LONG CAN THE CAR LAST BEFORE I RUN OUT OF CHARGE?

EV Channels Review

This video investigates the real-world range of EVs in extreme cold weather, specifically simulating being stuck in a traffic jam. The test uses two Tesla models: a Model S Plaid and an older Model 3. The Model S, equipped with a heat pump and advanced thermal management, demonstrated remarkable efficiency, consuming only 2-3 kWh over an hour of simulated traffic, suggesting it could last over 30 hours on a full charge. In contrast, the older Model 3, relying on a resistive heater and starting from a frozen state, used 8 kWh in the same hour. While this is significantly more, the reviewer notes that consumption leveled off after 20 minutes, indicating it could still last 12-24 hours on a full charge. The key takeaway is that while EVs consume more in extreme cold, they offer substantial endurance in traffic jams, especially with modern heat pump technology. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of overcharging and maintaining a buffer in adverse conditions due to unpredictable road closures and charging station availability.