Do All Electric Cars Come with a Heat Pump? Here’s What You Need to Know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and fuel efficiency compared to gasoline-powered cars. However, there is a common misconception that all EVs come with a heat pump, which is not true at all. In reality, there are more EVs without heat pumps than those that come with them.
This is particularly baffling since even some of the most expensive electric cars in the world do not have heat pumps, despite being on sale for over a hundred thousand US dollars. In this article, we’ll discuss why heat pumps are crucial in EVs and which Mercedes-Benz models are getting an upgrade soon.
Why Heat Pumps are Vital in Electric Cars
Heat pumps play a critical role in electric vehicles, especially in colder climates. Unlike traditional gasoline vehicles that generate heat through the combustion of fossil fuels, EVs rely on electricity to power all their systems, including heating and cooling units. This means that without a heat pump, EVs use a resistive heater to produce heat, similar to how a toaster produces heat.
However, resistive heaters are not efficient, especially in cold climates, as they consume a lot of energy from the battery, reducing the car’s driving range. This is where heat pumps come in, as they use a small amount of energy to extract heat from the air outside the vehicle and transfer it into the cabin. In other words, heat pumps reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the vehicle interior, improving its efficiency and reducing the drain on the battery.
Which Mercedes-Benz EVs Come Without a Heat Pump?
It may come as a surprise to some, but many Mercedes-Benz EVs on the market do not come with a heat pump. However, the German automaker is working on upgrading its EV models and adding new technology to increase their range and efficiency.
For instance, Mercedes-Benz is adding standard heat pumps to its EQE and EQS SUVs, which should provide a significant boost in efficiency and range, particularly in cold climates. The disconnect unit (DCU) is another feature that will be available on these models. It decouples the front motor, resulting in reduced drag losses and improved range, as the car switches to rear-wheel drive automatically when it detects the need for it.
Interestingly, even though the EQE is the cheapest among the three models, it’s the only one that currently comes with a heat pump. However, this will change soon, as Mercedes-Benz upgrades its EQS and EQS SUV models with heat pumps and other enhancements such as DCUs to improve their range and efficiency.
Why You Should Consider A Heat Pump in EVs
Heat pumps can be a significant factor to consider when purchasing an EV, especially if you live in a region with colder climates. A conventional heating system in EVs can quickly drain the battery and reduce the driving range significantly. This can become a major inconvenience for drivers who rely on their cars for long journeys or daily commutes in harsh weather conditions.
Having a heat pump in your EV can save you money in the long run as it helps improve the car’s efficiency and prolong the battery’s lifespan. Additionally, it provides a more comfortable driving experience, allowing you to enjoy your trips without worrying about the cold weather.
Conclusion
Despite what some may believe, not all EVs come with a heat pump, and it’s a crucial feature you may want to consider when buying an electric car. Mercedes-Benz is one of the automakers that don’t offer heat pumps as standard features in some of its EV models. However, the German manufacturer is upgrading its EQE, EQS, and EQS SUV models with heat pumps and other advanced features to improve efficiency, range, and performance.
It’s always important to do your research before making a purchase, and knowing what features to look out for can save you money in the long run. Heat pumps are just one of many features to consider when buying an EV, but it’s a critical one that can significantly impact the car’s performance and your driving experience.