Feature · 3 min read
Heat Pump Explained
Heats and cools the cabin far more efficiently than a traditional electric heater.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that can run in reverse. Instead of generating heat by burning energy in a resistive element, it moves heat from one place to another — drawing warmth from the outside air, the motor, or the battery and pumping it into the cabin.
How does it work?
A compressor circulates refrigerant through a loop. When expanding, the refrigerant gets very cold and absorbs heat; when compressed, it gets very hot and releases that heat. Switching the flow direction lets the same hardware either heat or cool the cabin, using two to three times less electricity than a simple heater.
What does it feel like?
You don't feel any different inside the car — warm air still blows from the vents. The difference shows up on the range display: on a freezing morning you might lose 10–15% of range with a heat pump instead of 30–40% with a resistive heater.
Benefits
- ✓Significantly more winter range
- ✓Doubles as efficient cabin cooling
- ✓Helps warm the battery for pre-conditioning
- ✓Quieter than a traditional heater
Limitations
Efficiency drops in extreme cold (below around −10°C) and most cars fall back to a resistive heater to keep up. Heat pumps add cost and complexity, and refrigerant leaks need a specialist to repair.
Common problems
- ✓Reduced heating in very cold weather
- ✓Refrigerant leaks
- ✓Compressor noise on start-up
- ✓Software faults preventing operation