So all production EV's I'm aware of use a 12V flooded lead acid battery which is charged by a DC to DC converter off the main Li-ion pack. This 12v battery powers lights, fans, accessories, and other car electronics. Some articles I read suggested that it may even be powering the heating and cooling systems. If so, an accessory battery which connects directly to the 12v battery which could be housed in the Trunk or back seat, could charge the 12V flooded battery, reducing load on the DC/DC converter and leaving the main Li-ion battery exclusively for powering the motor.
What are your thoughts? Does anyone know for certain what components of a cars heating and cooling system are actually powered by that 12V flooded battery? Is it just fans or is it actually the AC compressor and restive heating element?
I know my Ford Focus Electric can go from 75 mile range to 50-55 mile range with the AC cranked on a 110F degree day. And same goes with heat, if its freezing outside and you have the heat cranked range can drop to 50 miles or less!
An extra say 5Kwh in the Trunk which is used to power the heating and cooling systems could lead to a significant range improvement when using heating/cooling/lighting/accessories etc.
What are your thoughts? Does anyone know for certain what components of a cars heating and cooling system are actually powered by that 12V flooded battery? Is it just fans or is it actually the AC compressor and restive heating element?
I know my Ford Focus Electric can go from 75 mile range to 50-55 mile range with the AC cranked on a 110F degree day. And same goes with heat, if its freezing outside and you have the heat cranked range can drop to 50 miles or less!
An extra say 5Kwh in the Trunk which is used to power the heating and cooling systems could lead to a significant range improvement when using heating/cooling/lighting/accessories etc.