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It's called a block heater and they have been in use for many decades in cold climates.
by nightski 4y ago
It's called a block heater and they have been in use for many decades in cold climates.
- zoklet-enjoyer 4y agoBlock heaters don't heat the cab, so it's still uncomfortable
- nightski 4y agoI wasn't claiming that they did. The block heater keeps the engine warm to allow for easy remote start.
- enduser 4y agoAn EV can do both, without emissions, from wall power.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- SoftTalker 4y agoNot directly, but the warm water in the block will mean that at least some heat is immediately available once you start the car. The main benefit of block heaters is not in heating the cab, but heating the engine itself so that it's actually possible to start it. That aside, never understood the value of "pre heating" the car interior. If it's that cold, you're wearing a coat and gloves (or should be). Start the car, drive off, and you'll have heat within a few minutes.
- bagels 4y agoThe value is not having to wear all that gear while driving, and just comfort generally. Living in the bay area it's nice that the Teslas have this capability to warm the interior from 55 to 70 before I get in the car. It means I can leave the house in a t shirt in the morning.
- SoftTalker 4y agoIf you're driving around in subzero weather without a coat, gloves, and preferably a few blankets in the car, you're asking for more trouble than I am.
- Scoundreller 4y agoYou can have them in there, but not wear them! It’s kinda a pain to drive with a big puffy jacket, especially once the cabin gets warm. I’m often in this position: car is in underground car park that sits above zero (Celsius) when it’s far colder outside, so I hand-carry my jacket and keep the vent off until the engine heats up.
- zoklet-enjoyer 4y agoI don't like driving on icy roads with gloves on, I feel like I have less control of the car
- rosnd 4y agoYou don't need to wear the gloves, you want to have them in the car in case you end up in an accident and your car is rendered unable to keep you warm. Essential safety equipment while driving in the cold.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- eMSF 4y agoFuel-type block heaters heat the cabin as well (they turn on ventilation once the coolant has warmed enough). Electric heaters are meant to be used with a cabin heater that uses the same external power source.
- bbbbb5 4y agoPretty sure most people with block heaters have these, they run off the same power source https://pic.beely.crasman.cloud/BVC-228/BVC228_11.jpg https://pic.beely.crasman.cloud/BVC-228/BVC228_11.jpg Almost all ICE cars I've seen sold in Nordic countries during the past 30 years have an outlet on the passenger side to power these. I think these have been a thing since the 70s though.
- zoklet-enjoyer 4y agoI've lived in North Dakota for almost 30 years and have never heard of this