Do rainy days really impact the range of electric cars? A media test Clean Automotive sort the truth from the false to understand if humidity really affects their energy performance.
While we know that the cold particularly affects the range of electric cars (the Tesla Model 3 in particular), it is true that we know a little less about the effect of water on them. Fortunately, the teams ofClean Automotive looked into the question in order to establish precise measurements of the overconsumption caused by bad weather to assess the real impact of rain on EVs.
The media described its testing protocol as follows: “ In order to obtain the best possible results, we carried out these tests on the same section of road, with an identical outside temperature and without air conditioning in order to isolate as much as possible the excess consumption caused by rain. We carried out these measurements on board several different cars, from the Cupra Born to the new Peugeot e-3008, including the Renault Scenic e-Tech or the Audi e-Tron GT RS “.
Noticeable overconsumption
In rainy weather, EV drivers can expect an unpleasant surprise: a reduction in range. Is the rain to blame? Yes, and not just a little!
Water on the road turns out to be a formidable double agent for the energy efficiency of EVs. On the one hand, it creates a resistant layer in front of the tires, increasing the energy consumption necessary to maintain a constant speed. It’s like driving in wet sand: the wetter it is, the harder you have to press the accelerator.
On the other hand, rain makes the air more viscous, which increases aerodynamic resistance. Imagine driving in thick fog: your car has to cut through the air with more force, which uses more energy. According to the results, water on the road can be responsible for quite significant overconsumption, up to 20% on average! At 110 km/h, the Renault Scenic e-Tech does the best.
One solution: reduce your speed
As we have seen, rain therefore leads to excess energy consumption. But did you know that speed limits imposed by rainy conditions can counteract this phenomenon? According to the test, reducing your speed by 20 km/h in the rain (from 130 to 110 km/h) saves on average 1.2 kWh/100 km.
The question of peripheral equipment
We often hear that using headlights and windshield wipers on an electric vehicle would have a significant impact on its range. But what is it really?
The impact of this equipment is actually marginal! Indeed, their energy consumption is minimal compared to that required to overcome the physical constraints imposed by rain. “ According to our measurements, the low beams consume on average 65 W, while the windshield wipers at full speed require 110 W. Which means that these two pieces of equipment combined consume less than 0.2 kWh per hour of operation » explain the journalists ofClean Automotive.
Yes, your EV uses more energy on rainy days, but your recourse is actually quite simple: drive slower, it’s that simple. In addition to saving money, you ensure your safety; two birds with one stone !
Source : Clean Automotive
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