Cybertruck AWD cold-weather efficiency test in freezing temperatures

[HaulingAss]

yes, but there should be a pre-condition option under the climate control section on the app. I never leave the house at the same time everday, so the schedule option doesn't work for me.

I turn the truck on defrost and then send the nearest super charger to the navigation screen. Only way I can figure out get the battery to condition and heat up ahead of time.

Once I'm ready to leave, I cancel the SC visit and go to intended destination

You shouldn't heat the battery up for Supercharging if you don't need to Supercharge, it wastes energy. Just pre-heat the cabin before you depart. Most of the advantage happens in the first 5-10 minutes of pre-heating because the heat pump works hardest from a cold start. Once it's already got the fluid warmed it can just loaf along using minimal battery draw. The motors that run the heat pump are variable speed motors with solid state speed controls for reasons of efficiency. They have maximum draw in the first few minutes for speed of pre-heating.

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[mongo]

The battery uses the same fluid to heat it as the cabin climate control uses.

The cabin climate control on Cybertruck does not use coolant at all. All the heating/ cooling is done via refrigerant.
The compressor can pull heat from the coolant, but if the pack is cold, the octovalve will isolate the radiator to rewarm the coolant.
Ambient->chiller->compressor->LCC->pack
Also compressor->cabin condensers->air
Purple and blue are both coolant paths:

 

[mongo]

yes, but there should be a pre-condition option under the climate control section on the app. I never leave the house at the same time everday, so the schedule option doesn't work for me.

I turn the truck on defrost and then send the nearest super charger to the navigation screen. Only way I can figure out get the battery to condition and heat up ahead of time.

Once I'm ready to leave, I cancel the SC visit and go to intended destination

Supercharging level preheating only occurs if the truck is also unplugged and active (pin entered, driver in seat). A Supercharger destination with it plugged in won't do it.

Climate on does preheat the pack.

 

[Cyberostachu]

typically hilly but not mountainous. hard to hit 75mph in NJ outside of a few major roadways and then only at certain times of day. Travel speeds were consistently 45-65mph with a 7-8 mile stretch at 70mph.

Where I live, I'll only get maybe 80% of your efficiency because of rolling terrain. But, I'm willing to sacrifice the range as long as I got higher kwh battery pack. Also. My route speed limit is 75mph. If you don't drive at least 80 mph, you would look like an idiot because some fully loaded big trucks would pass you by.

 

[HaulingAss]

The cabin climate control on Cybertruck does not use coolant at all. All the heating/ cooling is done via refrigerant.
The compressor can pull heat from the coolant, but if the pack is cold, the octovalve will isolate the radiator to rewarm the coolant.
Ambient->chiller->compressor->LCC->pack
Also compressor->cabin condensers->air
Purple and blue are both coolant paths:

Thankks for the correction, it's an amazing system!

 

[HaulingAss]

Where I live, I'll only get maybe 80% of your efficiency because of rolling terrain.

In my experience, rolling terrain is not less efficient than a flat road, as long as the hills are not so steep, or the speeds so slow, that you have to use regen. Sure, in mountainous enough terrain, with steep grades you might need to use regen to descend at a safe speed (and that does come with efficency losses), but in rolling hills, at speeds above 60 mph, regen is not typically needed, the air resistance checks your speed enough, and thus efficiency is unaffected. What you put in to climb the hill is returned with lighter throttle on the descent.

For maximum efficiency on rolling hills you might need to let it run a little faster downhill, and overall efficiency should be about the same.

Honestly, efficiency is all about being aware of throttle control. Some people just drive inefficiently, either because they are unaware, or they simply don't care.

 

[carsly]

Honestly, efficiency is all about being aware of throttle control. Some people just drive inefficiently, either because they are unaware, or they simply don't care.

This should be on a t-shirt!

I once had a BMW X5 4.6is, amazing machine but on winter blend gas and a lot of local driving I was looking at 10.5mpg. With $100 to fill a tank, and as much I enjoyed the power, I learned to be far more conscious of my momentum and keep eyes on coasting time trying to maximize it, especially when headed into an obvious stopping situation like a stop sign or red light. Sure enough, I was able to get my winter efficiency (if you can even call it that) up to a consistent 11.5-11.8mpg with some slight behavioral changes. That adds up at the old pump!

The idea with EV's isn't all that different. Be conscious of momentum and be mindful of when you're applying power vs. 'coasting' (neither using nor generating) vs. regen. If you drive an EV like an old gasser, you're inevitably burning excess electrons. BUT if you're careful, and reprogram your brain, then you don't even think about it and it's possible to get much higher efficiencies. In a hot NJ summer I pulled over 3 mi/kwh for months on end with the truck parked outdoors around the clock.

Then again, I do occasionally still hammer it. Because it's fun.

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