FYI: Electric Vehicles Handle High Altitudes Differently Than Combustion Cars—Here’s How
Electric vehicles (EVs) possess a notable advantage over combustion-engine cars when it comes to high-altitude driving. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, EVs do not suffer power losses at high elevations. However, there’s a trade-off: driving up a mountain pass can rapidly deplete an EV’s range. Consumption of electricity climbs significantly on steep ascents, but descending with regenerative braking can recover much of the lost range.
The Loveland Trials: A Closer Look at High-Altitude EV Performance
The Loveland Trials, conducted by TFLEV, provide valuable insights into EV performance in mountainous terrain. This test involves a round trip from Boulder, Colorado, to the summit of Loveland Pass, which stands at an elevation of 11,990 feet. Utilizing the same route for both ascent and descent ensures a consistent comparison of energy usage and regeneration.
Why High Altitudes Are a Double-Edged Sword for EVs
Pros:
- Steady Power Delivery: EVs maintain consistent performance at high elevations. Thinner air does not diminish power, and some models even feel quicker.
- Regenerative Braking: Long downhill sections can significantly replenish the battery.
Cons:
- Increased Consumption: Climbing steep grades demands more energy from the battery.
- Temperature Fluctuations: High-altitude conditions can vary significantly, affecting the battery’s efficiency and range, especially when parked.
A Real-World Test with the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
For the Loveland Pass trial, reviewers used a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 equipped with a 77.5 kilowatt-hour Extended Range battery pack. This configuration offers a range of up to 260 miles, an improvement over the standard 58 kWh pack’s 220 miles. Starting with a 99% charge showing 256 miles of range, the car was put to the test.
- Ascent Findings: Upon reaching the summit, after 74.1 miles of driving, the predicted range dropped by 118 miles due to the climb, showing an efficiency rate of 2.2 miles per kWh.
- Descent Findings: The regenerative braking on the way down increased the car’s efficiency to 3.7 miles per kWh. At the end of the 149-mile journey, the battery held 46% of its charge.
Maximizing Efficiency on Mountain Passes
To optimize range in a mountainous drive, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out plan:
- Enable Brake Regeneration: Ensure your EV’s regenerative braking system is active, particularly on long descents.
- Adjust Regen Levels: Most EVs allow you to tweak regeneration settings. In the Ioniq 5, this can be done via paddles behind the steering wheel or through the i-Pedal mode, which allows for one-pedal driving.
- Temperature Management: Be aware of temperature changes which can affect battery performance. Modern EVs usually manage this, but it’s still a crucial factor.
Conclusion
Driving an electric vehicle through mountainous terrains comes with its unique set of challenges and benefits. The ability to maintain power at high altitudes paired with regenerative braking on descents makes EVs efficient climbers and descenders. The Loveland Trials with the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrate that while the ascent will sap your battery faster, the descent can help recapture much of that lost energy, ensuring that high-altitude driving remains viable and efficient. For more tips and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
