Heat Pump

It is common in electric cars to save range in cold weather. It uses the air conditioning compressor and valves to reverse the flow of heat. Some systems also recover heat from the motor and battery. A heat pump can deliver two to three times more heat than the electrical energy it uses, which is why it can noticeably improve winter range.

Refrigerant absorbs heat outside and releases it in the cabin.

At very low temperatures efficiency drops and electric heaters assist. Leaks affect both heating and cooling.