Cold soaking an EV for science
One particular test, called a “cold soak,” effectively puts the car in fridge-like conditions for 24 hours to see how the technology reacts. They found that despite the icy conditions, the car’s battery maintained its 17 percent charge despite -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) conditions without being plugged in or using its battery heater.
The team also found that the car was able to start immediately. Such tests are routine for Nissan before giving new models the green light for mass production and sale.
Some components are even subjected to worse conditions, like -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). This feat was achieved thanks to some of Ariya’s sophisticated systems, specifically designed to help it handle extreme heat or cold.
The EV has a liquid-cooled thermal management system to handle hot conditions that keep the battery at an ideal temperature. Regarding cold temperatures, the battery heater performs a similar task.