Evaluating PCM heat battery as a range-saving solution for electric vehicle cabin heating

Abstract

In cold climates, traditional cabin heating systems that rely on the electric vehicle’s (EV) battery power consume a significant amount of energy, thus reducing the vehicle’s range. This study examines a phase change material (PCM)-based heat battery system designed to ensure thermal management in vehicle cabins while minimizing range loss. The proposed system stores heat from an external energy source using PCM and transfers it to the cabin during vehicle operation, reducing the need for conventional internal heating systems powered by the EV’s battery. Experiments were conducted on a Citroën Ami vehicle under three different scenarios: no heating, using the internal electric heating system, and employing the PCM heat battery. The results showed that using the internal heating system led to a significant reduction in vehicle range, while the PCM heat battery maintained cabin temperature and prevented additional battery consumption. In mild cold climate conditions, with outside temperatures ranging from −2 °C to 2 °C, the PCM heat battery successfully stabilized the cabin temperature over a 3-hour period. This demonstrates that the PCM heat battery system can support thermal comfort and reduce battery usage, potentially saving up to 33 % of range in cold weather.