Read before you order! Expect 50% range loss in winter in Northern states.

[ivan256]

A heat pump is greater than 100% efficiency when temps are above like 11degF. I'm honestly astounded that Ford went with only a resistive heater instead of a heat pump. Resistive heaters are 100% efficient, but in a world where heat pumps exist, resistive heating should only be the backup for when temps are too low for the heat pump to work effectively.

While it's true that heat pumps can be >100% net efficiency, I think that the more important bit here is that you don't want to be taking any of that energy from your battery.

The heater I linked above burns 1 liter of ethanol in 10 hours of operation. If the cabin is pre-heated, and it's only running at a 10% duty cycle, I might go months on a liter of ethanol. And in exchange, get maybe 100 miles of range back for your ski trip? Or keep your wife happy with a toasty cabin with no downsides? I might look for a spot to fit one!

Anybody had the bed off their Lightning yet? What's it look like under there?

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[ivan256]

Woah, there's tons of space under there!

https://fordauthority.com/2022/06/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-frame-live-photo-gallery/

Somebody should make a mounting kit with ducts that plumb into the air flaps on the back of the cabin for easy ethanol heater installs.

 

[HaroldCal]

While it's true that heat pumps can be >100% net efficiency, I think that the more important bit here is that you don't want to be taking any of that energy from your battery.

The heater I linked above burns 1 liter of ethanol in 10 hours of operation. If the cabin is pre-heated, and it's only running at a 10% duty cycle, I might go months on a liter of ethanol. And in exchange, get maybe 100 miles of range back for your ski trip? Or keep your wife happy with a toasty cabin with no downsides? I might look for a spot to fit one!

Anybody had the bed off their Lightning yet? What's it look like under there?

That's a fair point. I'd definitely be interested in a retrofit.

 

[lightspeed]

Woah, there's tons of space under there!

https://fordauthority.com/2022/06/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-frame-live-photo-gallery/

Somebody should make a mounting kit with ducts that plumb into the air flaps on the back of the cabin for easy ethanol heater installs.

Interesting. I was suggesting a more complete integration from Ford so that the fuel burning heater could warm the battery and the heater core. And my thought is this would most apply to people who live in very cold climates (sub zero winters) and who have no option to precondition while plugged in.

I expect that most of the deep winter range loss will come from cold battery not warning the cabin, so getting that battery up to temp is the most critical thing.

This is interesting though since it's a DIY possible project and might help range somewhat.

 

[RickLightning]

A heat pump is greater than 100% efficiency when temps are above like 11degF. I'm honestly astounded that Ford went with only a resistive heater instead of a heat pump. Resistive heaters are 100% efficient, but in a world where heat pumps exist, resistive heating should only be the backup for when temps are too low for the heat pump to work effectively.

Facts, not hyperbole. Full article at CR, which you should be able to access via your library's website.

 

[sotek2345]

Facts, not hyperbole. Full article at CR, which you should be able to access via your library's website.

Exactly this, testing is not showing the benefits of heat pumps working out in the real world for cars.

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