Almost all electric vehicles (EVs) come equipped with a preheat function. This feature not only ensures a more comfortable ride but also uses less battery power when preheating the interior before you hit the road. Typically, you can activate this function through your EV app, or set it up through the infotainment system in your EV.
Cabin Preconditioning
Many drivers are familiar with the experience of stepping out to their car on a cold morning, only to spend time scraping ice from the windows before they can leave.
Cabin preconditioning in an electric vehicle allows you to set the heating beforehand, warming the car before you leave home. This means that by the time you’re ready to drive off, the windscreen and windows will be completely de-iced and de-misted, creating a warm and cozy cabin. If your vehicle has heated seats or a heated steering wheel, you may also have the ability to include or exclude these features from the preconditioning settings.
Not only can you precondition your electric vehicle (EV) to ensure it’s warm, but on hot days, this feature also lets you cool down the cabin by activating the air conditioning before you step inside to drive
How Does Cabin Preconditioning Work?
The setup for cabin preconditioning varies, but it’s generally straightforward to configure through the infotainment system or smartphone app. For instance, you can specify the days and times for climate control to start, or you may be prompted to enter your departure time.
Once you have set up preconditioning, the vehicle will know when to activate the climate control based on the outside temperature, ensuring the cabin reaches your desired temperature before you leave. You can also manually start climate control and adjust settings anytime via the EV app.