Elektroautos im Sommer: An der Klimatisierung sparen lohnt sich gar nicht
Introduction: Facing Range Anxiety in Summer Heat
As the summer heat sets in, many electric vehicle (EV) owners face the dilemma of whether to run their air conditioning to stay comfortable or turn it off to conserve battery range. However, recent studies show that skipping the AC may not be as beneficial as previously believed.
Understanding the Impact of Air Conditioning on Range
Contrary to common fears, the energy cost of using air conditioning in an electric vehicle (EV) is relatively low. While it is true that the AC consumes battery power, the impact on distance is not as severe as many drivers assume. For instance, during high temperatures, it makes little sense to forgo cooling merely to save a small amount of battery life, especially when the comfort it provides is substantial.
Consumption Ratings: What to Expect
The amount of energy consumed by an air conditioning system is influenced by various factors, including external temperature, desired cabin temperature, vehicle size, and the efficiency of the AC system itself. As a general guideline, at an outside temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), running the AC could increase energy use by approximately 0.5 to 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) per 100 kilometers. When temperatures climb above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), this could rise to about 1 to 2 kWh.
Real-World Example: The Hyundai Ioniq 5
To provide concrete insights, EnBW analyzed the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has a standard consumption of 16 kWh per 100 kilometers. The results showed that moderate use of the AC could decrease the vehicle’s range by about three kilometers per 100 kilometers of travel. In hotter conditions, this loss could increase to around eleven kilometers, translating a maximum range from 570 kilometers to about 507 kilometers.
Alternative Strategies to Conserve Battery
For those still seeking to save energy while cooling their vehicle, an effective approach is to drive with the windows open during slower city driving. In this scenario, the additional air resistance is negligible. However, as speeds increase, particularly over 70 km/h (approximately 43 mph), it’s more effective to close the windows and rely on the AC, as open windows can significantly increase aerodynamic drag.
Emphasizing Comfort During Standstill
In a study conducted by ADAC in 2024, researchers investigated the effects of idling in traffic jams on electric cars. A Tesla Model Y was placed in a controlled hot environment at 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) with the AC set to 21 degrees (70 degrees Fahrenheit) for eight hours. The findings revealed that the vehicle consumed about 1.5 kWh per hour while idling, losing around 12 kWh in total or 16% of its battery charge.
A Comparatively Lower Impact
Notably, even with this significant consumption, the vehicle retained sufficient battery life for continued travel. In comparison, a traditional gasoline car in similar conditions would consume roughly 0.8 to 1.5 liters of fuel per hour, leading to far greater fuel expenses and environmental impact.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Comfort and Efficiency
In summary, the data suggests that the fear surrounding battery depletion due to air conditioning usage is largely unfounded. The comfort and safety afforded by keeping cool outweigh the moderate reduction in driving range. As temperatures rise, electric vehicle drivers are encouraged to utilize their air conditioning, especially as advancements in technology continue to make modern electric cars increasingly efficient. This summer, enjoy your drive—comfortably!
