Investigation of the effects of different environmentalconditions and the use of air conditioning on the energyconsumption and range of an electric vehicle

ABSTRACT Energy consumption and range are two of the most important factors in the popularity of electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular. Different environmental conditions and the use of air conditioners have a direct impact on the energy consumption of electric vehicles and thus their range. In this study, the energy consumption and range of an all-electric car are investigated by using Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test procedure, while air conditioner is on and off under different ambient temperatures (5°C, 20°C, 35°C). It is seen that the use of air conditioner at 5°C ambient temperature increases the energy consumption by 58%, and reduces the range of the vehicle by 37%; while the use of air conditioner at 35°C ambient temperature increases the energy consumption by 84%, and reduces the range of the vehicle by 46%. Also, it is observed that the use of air conditioner at 20°C ambient temperature increases the energy consumption by 4%, and reduces the range of the vehicle by 4%. Furthermore, it is found that trying to cool the inside air of the vehicle with the use of air conditioner leads to more energy consumption than trying to heat it.