Energy Consumption Of Various Tesla Heating Features

One of the few disadvantages of EVs is that they don't create the excess heat associated with ICE vehicles. Energy from the battery must be used to produce heat when the cold weather sets in. The Tesla Model S and Model X use resistance heating (think of a space heater) to heat the cabin. Other Tesla heating features include, heated seats, defrosters, heated wipers, and heated mirrors provide protection against the cold.

This is all part of the reason that EVs lose range in the winter, or in generally colder climates. How much power do heating features consume?

The YouTube video by Model S owner, Kman Auto, spells it all out.

Chris shows us Tesla's SubZero Weather Package and its power impact. His breakdown is below, and thanks to Teslarati, we also have estimated range reduction by the amount of miles per hour.

Baseline (vehicle at rest but powered up): 247 Wh = .74 mph

Defroster (rear window & side mirror heaters): 285 Wh = .86 mph Steering Wheel Heater: 95 Wh = .29 mph Heated Wipers & Nozzles: 95Wh = .29 mph 1 Seat Heater: 57 Wh = .17 mph 2 Seat Heaters: 1cabin reached 108 F quickly33 Wh = .40 mph 3 Seat Heaters: 171 Wh = .51 mph 4 Seat Heaters: 209 Wh = .63 mph 5 Seat Heaters: 247 Wh = .74 mph HVAC at ‘HI’ or 82F (28C): 6.4 kWh = ~18-20 mph

HVAC at 74F (23C): 342 Wh = 1.03 mph

With the 18-20 miles per hour lost with the heater on high, its much more efficient to use the heated seats to warm up, with the cabin heater warming slowly, on the lowest setting. However, since the cabin reached a whopping 108F pretty quickly, it would be crazy to run it on high for a full hour.

Source: Teslarati