Winter battery temperature management

[data003]

So how does the truck keep the battery from becoming -20f or so during the winter? Is there a resistive heating element in the coolant loop? Or does the truck just let the battery get cold…

I don’t have a garage and was planning to just leave the truck plugged in while not in use so it can keep the battery within some healthy temperature range. Now I’m wondering if it’s even capable of doing that? Anyone know how this works?

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[RickLightning]

Leave it plugged in, it will heat the battery as needed.

 

[data003]

Leave it plugged in, it will heat the battery as needed.

But how!? I want details ?

 

[sotek2345]

But how!? I want details ?

It has a resistive heater for the battery. Not 100% sure if it uses the same heater for the cabin or if it has separate heaters.

If you look at your power usage, there is a section that shows you how much power goes into that while driving.

 

[metroshot]

Those that have had EVs will have it plugged in all the time to pre-condition and have the battery charge as much as possible as well as the cabin temps before you head out.

 

[RickLightning]

But how!? I want details ?

Assuming it matches the Mach-E, the resistance heater heats up the coolant. Runs maybe 15 minutes once or twice per cold night.

JuiceBox 48
2/5/2022 4:36:43 AM - 4:51:35 AM00:14:521.6140kWh

 

[sotek2345]

Assuming it matches the Mach-E, the resistance heater heats up the coolant. Runs maybe 15 minutes once or twice per cold night.

JuiceBox 48
2/5/2022 4:36:43 AM - 4:51:35 AM00:14:521.6140kWh

And most importantly it gets the battery (and cabin) nice and warm before you leave if you set a departure schedule up. These are key in the winter, reducing cold weather range loss and giving you a nice comfy ride. No more waiting until I am almost at work before I get heat like in my current ICE truck.

 

[Pioneer74]

Leave it plugged in, it will heat the battery as needed.

What happens if you can't plug it in?

When I leave for work in the morning I will have preconditioned my battery. I will then drive about 50 miles and park it for 12 hours.

What happens to the battery in those 12 hours and on my drive home? Will it heat the battery up if I remote start it?

 

[sotek2345]

What happens if you can't plug it in?

When I leave for work in the morning I will have preconditioned my battery. I will then drive about 50 miles and park it for 12 hours.

What happens to the battery in those 12 hours and on my drive home? Will it heat the battery up if I remote start it?

Remote starting won't heat the battery up fully like preconditioning (remote start prioritizes the cabin). The truck will use energy from the battery to keep it warm (or cool) enough to avoid any issues, but you will have reduced range.

 

[JohnnyBee]

What happens if you can't plug it in?

When I leave for work in the morning I will have preconditioned my battery. I will then drive about 50 miles and park it for 12 hours.

What happens to the battery in those 12 hours and on my drive home? Will it heat the battery up if I remote start it?

Set departure time, too. It will use battery power to precondition instead of wall charger.

 

[cvalue13]

Funny how these “new” EVs are in many ways so reminiscent of our “old” ICE vehicles from >20 years ago.

This thread is different but in the same vein as a 100 conversations had between grandpa farmers regarding how best to maintain their 60s-80s model diesel trucks in winter.

 

[LightningShow]

Funny how these “new” EVs are in many ways so reminiscent of our “old” ICE vehicles from >20 years ago.

This thread is different but in the same vein as a 100 conversations had between grandpa farmers regarding how best to maintain their 60s-80s model diesel trucks in winter.

I'll pay you to re-create that with a Lightning. ?

 

[metroshot]

Funny how these “new” EVs are in many ways so reminiscent of our “old” ICE vehicles from >20 years ago.

This thread is different but in the same vein as a 100 conversations had between grandpa farmers regarding how best to maintain their 60s-80s model diesel trucks in winter.

Ah glow plugs!

 

[jefro]

The battery will be maintained plugged in or not. I think the temps on start may be different but if you want or need full battery then as above, just keep it plugged it winter or summer.
It is nice to jump into a pre-warmed cabin on very cold days.

 

[Artificial Intelligence]

But how!? I want details ?

you have to program daily departure time. If you have set max battery charge at 90%... and lets say you plug it in at 75% charge, battery management system will charge it close to your departure time and will have truck ready to go. I hope that makes sense.

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