Heat pump

A heater that moves heat from outside air into the cabin and needs less electricity for the same warmth than a simple electric heater.

Explained in

eMobility and EV basics · Stop 06What does range depend on?Speed, temperature, heating and height: why the range on the display moves, how the official WLTP figure is measured, and what a Norwegian winter test showed.

Temperature. Heating the cabin takes energy, and a cold battery works less efficiently. Heating cabin and battery takes energy from the battery, and the battery works best at about 20 to 40 °C; many manufacturers offer a heat pump as an extra, which ADAC calls a sensible investment where winter range matters.

From “Four things that cost range”, stop 06
  1. WLTPThe test procedure set in EU law for consumption and range: a 30-minute cycle at an average of 46.5 km/h.
  1. ADAC: E-Auto im Winter: mehr Verbrauch, weniger Reichweite (heating, battery temperature, preheating on the grid). https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/elektromobilitaet/laden/elektroauto-reichweite-winter/. Checked 13 Oct 2026.