Though celebrated for their cleaner, "greener," improved efficiency, electric cars (EVs) also have drawbacks. One large problem is the difficulty these vehicles have in providing interior heat to passengers during cold weather. An EV's power-hungry heater is fueled by the battery, an action that can quickly deplete an energy supply already compromised by winter weather.
Fortunately, more than one way exists to stay warm in an EV during winter and keep the car moving. The option you choose depends on your expectations and resources.
Install a ceramic auto heater. It can be purchased at an auto parts store. Plug it into the electric car's cigarette lighter if it has the appropriate extension; otherwise, replace elements of the heater core under the car's dash with those of the ceramic auto heater. Ceramic auto heaters often have temperature controls or are even made to swivel.
The heat control must be interlocked with the fan control to ensure the system is safe. Its important that the heater elements are turned on with the fan blowing through them.
Insert an in-line water heater for a method that doesn't require modification under the dash. Though more expensive and not as clean as a ceramic auto heater, an in-line water heater kit is simple to assemble and widely available from a multitude of commercial websites. The kit includes a water heater tank, pump, switch, interconnecting hardware, 8 feet of hose and a 12-volt direct current (DC) contactor. Assemble the kit, and tap into the car's existing heating system. Attach the hose barbs to the existing heater water hoses, and wire a switch and the water pump.
Create a heat pump for the most energy-efficient option. Attach the reversing valve to switch the function of the air conditioner by changing the roles of the evaporator and condenser. If you are not familiar with and experienced in silver brazening, call a refrigerant specialist.
Put a small kerosene heater in the floor of the vehicle. Such a heater can be purchased relatively inexpensively at most hardware stores. You'll be warm in no time, but this fossil fuel-burning heater defeats the purpose of the energy-efficient electric car.
