Question

Will Tesla or any other electric vehicle start after sitting outside overnight in a -30 Celsius, provided it is not plugged in?

Answer 1

Starting an electric vehicle (EV) in extremely cold temperatures can be challenging, especially if the battery is not preconditioned or warmed up. At -30 degrees Celsius, the performance of an EV's battery can be significantly affected, resulting in reduced power output and diminished overall range.

If the EV has been sitting outside overnight in such low temperatures without being plugged in, several factors come into play:

1. Battery State of Charge (SoC): If the battery's state of charge is already low, cold temperatures can exacerbate the situation. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, experience reduced efficiency and capacity in cold weather, making it harder to start the vehicle.

2. Battery Temperature: Cold temperatures can lower the battery's internal temperature, slowing down chemical reactions and reducing its ability to deliver power. Extreme cold can even lead to a temporary loss of capacity, making it more difficult for the battery to provide the necessary energy to start the EV.

3. Vehicle Preconditioning: Some EVs offer features like battery preconditioning, where the battery and cabin are warmed up before use. This can improve the starting performance in cold weather. However, if the vehicle hasn't been preconditioned or warmed up, starting it in -30 degrees Celsius without being plugged in might be more challenging.

4. Cold Weather Performance: Electric drivetrains generally have better cold weather performance compared to internal combustion engines. However, extreme cold can still impact the performance of various components, such as the motor and power electronics.

In conclusion, starting an electric vehicle after it has been sitting outside overnight in -30 degrees Celsius without being plugged in can be challenging. The cold temperature affects the battery's efficiency and capacity, potentially making it harder for the vehicle to start. Preconditioning the vehicle or ensuring it is plugged in can help mitigate these challenges by warming up the battery and improving starting performance in extremely cold weather.