MODEL 3 HEATER RACE: HEAT PUMP VS PTC IN -20F

EV Channels Review

In an extreme cold weather test conducted at -20°F (-29°C), the 2021 Tesla Model 3 with a heat pump significantly outperformed a 2019 Model 3 equipped with a PTC resistive heater. While both vehicles were cold-soaked, the heat pump model began producing noticeable warm air around the 3-minute mark and reached a comfortable cabin temperature of 70°F (21°C) in approximately 36 minutes. In stark contrast, the PTC heater model struggled, with one occupant reporting it still felt frozen after 40 minutes, despite being set to high. The reviewer noted that the heat pump's performance was impressive in these frigid conditions, a notable improvement over earlier iterations of the technology. The PTC model, however, was deemed inadequate for such extreme cold, taking an unacceptably long time to provide meaningful warmth.