Tested: Heat Pump in Cold Weather – How much range is lost?

Methodology

• We were less interested in comparing the energy consumption numbers of Model 3 and Model Y head to head. Instead, we are looking for the relative % increase in consumption under similar conditions.
• The ambient temperature was hovering around 34 degrees.
• The PTC car was a 2019 Model 3 SR+, and the heat pump car was a 2022 Model Y LR. The Model Y was equipped with winter tires.
• In the heated runs, the HVAC was set to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and fan speed 3.
• In the unheated runs, the HVAC was set to LOW temperature with fan speed 1 to prevent windshield fogging. But the driver’s seat was heated for comfort.
• The testing router was a 15 mile loop with 2 miles of city driving at 40 mph, and 13 miles of 70 mph freeway driving.

Conclusion

We have heard about the benefits of heat pumps in the past, but to see the numbers firsthand was remarkable. A 8% penalty in the winter is relatively minor and is comparable to the decreased efficiency of gasoline combustion engines in the winter. However, a 26% increase in energy consumption of the PTC heater-equipped car may require additional route planning in cold weather.

If you live in a cold climate where the temperatures regularly drop to the freezing mark or below, you need to be aware of this substantial difference in energy consumption. Paying an upfront premium for an EV with a heat pump will pay back dividends in lower energy costs and less time spent charging.

Update: A few helpful Reddit commenters pointed out that if both cars had been cold-soaked for several hours, the gap would have been closer. Because heat pump equipped cars with an octovalve are able to recover waste heat from the drivetrain. Something to test next. Thanks guys!