Den of EarthFeb 4

Hey #WeirdCarMastodon

Since EVs drain more battery heating the cabin in winter but still need to keep the windows defrosted, how about defrost wires on the windshield, just like the rear window? Even the side windows?

Would that not be more electrically efficient?

Has it been done before?

Discuss!

Source: I keep seeing "tips" on maximising range by using the seat heaters instead of cabin HVAC. That works for about two minutes until the windows are fogged up. Not an option
#EV #winterDriving

Show threadRune Karlsen 🍉🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦Feb 4
@DenOfEarth VW eUp from 2013 got defrost wires on the front window as you suggest.
Show threadDen of EarthFeb 4
@fiskelandslaget
Cool! Did it work? Was it carried on to newer VW models? My EV (BMW i3) is from 2015 and does not have this feature.
Show threadRune Karlsen 🍉🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦Feb 4

@DenOfEarth it does work! I only use it when the window is really frozen, otherwise I use the normal heater. :)

I charge the car every night, so I do enjoy the luxury of 22 degrees in the car. ;)

Show threadDen of Earth
@fiskelandslaget
Nice! I preheat the car for departure as well and it's nice and toasty before I go, but I still have to use the cabin heater to keep the windows from fogging back up while underway especially if it's very cold. It's been in the minus twenties over here for the past few weeks.
Feb 4 at 7:20pmWeb
Show threadRune Karlsen 🍉🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦Feb 4
@DenOfEarth oohh. Only minus 8-10 here. Minus 20 is not good for old EVs. ;) (Mine does not always charge..)
Show threadDen of EarthFeb 4

@fiskelandslaget
I had problems early on when I first got it (used, in 2022) and it turned out to be a problem with the 12V battery which powers circuits including the on-board charger. I replaced it and haven't had a problem since.

You can even do it yourself - I followed a YouTube video that showed how to first disconnect the high-voltage circuit to proceed safely.

Show threadRune Karlsen 🍉🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦Feb 4
@DenOfEarth i have changed the 12v battery recently, so that is ok, so I guess it is something else. Will try to find out some day I got the motivation. :)