Range loss, a major concern for electric vehicle users during winter months, was examined in detail in a comprehensive test conducted in the challenging conditions of Erzurum. The test was carried out with the contributions of automotive commentator and owner of the Sekiz Silindir YouTube channel, Etem Sayın, Togg Team Türkiye, EVbee, and Volt Men. The Turkish-made electric cars, the Togg T10F and T10X models, were compared against competitors such as Tesla, Volvo, Kia, and KGM. The test, conducted in temperatures reaching -13 degrees Celsius and under highway driving conditions, also provided an answer to the question: heat pump or large battery?.
With the increasing ownership of electric vehicles in Türkiye, their performance in challenging winter conditions remains a subject of curiosity. To address this, the Sekiz Silindir YouTube channel, with contributions from Togg Team, Togg Team Turkey, EVbee, and Volt Men, conducted a range test in Erzurum involving six different electric vehicles.
In a test conducted at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters, under snowfall and freezing temperatures; Togg T10F V2 Long Range, Togg T10X V2 Long Range, Tesla Model Y RWD (SR), Kia EV3 Long Range, Volvo EX30 And KGM Torres EVX modelleri yer aldı. Araçlar, bataryaları %100 doluluktan tamamen bitene kadar otoyol hız limitlerinde (90-110 km/s bandında) ve kabin ısıtması 23 dereceye sabitlenerek sürüldü.
Test Results: How Was the Ranking Determined?
While the data suggests that vehicles might fall below their factory specifications (WLTP), the rankings revealed some noteworthy results. Kia EV3 led the list with its efficiency and heat pump advantages, while Togg models ranked highly in terms of range thanks to their larger battery capacities.
Actual Range Ranking:
- Kia EV3 Long Range: 430 km (81.4 kWh Battery – Heat Pump Included)
- Togg T10F V2 Long Range: 392 km (88.5 kWh Battery – No Heat Pump)
- Togg T10X V2 Long Range: 375 km (88.5 kWh Battery – No Heat Pump)
- Tesla Model Y SR Juniper: 340 km (64 kWh Battery – Heat Pump Included)
- Volvo EX30 Ultra: 320 km (69 kWh Battery – Heat Pump Included)
- KGM Torres EVX: 295 km (73.4 kWh Battery – No Heat Pump)
The Biggest Question Among Togg Users: How Much of a Difference Does a Heat Pump Make?
The most debated topic among Togg users and potential buyers was the absence of a heat pump in the T10X and T10F models. According to research and development by Togg's team, a heat pump's contribution to range is limited (approximately 15-20 km) in Turkey's climate, and they preferred to invest this cost in a larger battery pack (88.5 kWh) instead.
The Erzurum test demonstrated the results of this engineering choice. Despite using traditional resistance (PTC) heaters, Togg models traveled a longer distance than the Tesla Model Y (Standard Range) and Volvo EX30, which have heat pumps.
While heat pumps increase efficiency by reducing the energy vehicles spend on heating, Togg's larger battery capacity, compared to its competitors, compensated for the increased consumption. As a result, Togg managed to outperform its competitors not by consuming less energy, but because of its higher-capacity battery.
Difference in Friction Resistance Between T10F and T10X
Another important finding of the test was the difference between Togg models with the same battery and powertrain. The T10F sedan (Fastback) offered 17 km more range than the T10X SUV.
The main reason for this difference is the aerodynamic structure. The T10F's drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd allows it to manage wind resistance better. The T10X's 0.30 Cd and heavier body increase fuel consumption. During the test, the T10F consumed an average of 21.7 kWh per 100 kilometers, while the T10X consumed 23.8 kWh.
The Importance of Battery Chemistry: NMC or LFP?
The chemical composition of battery technologies also played a decisive role in cold weather testing.
- NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt): NMC batteries, used in Togg, Kia, and Volvo, demonstrated more stable performance in terms of energy retention capacity in cold weather.
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Tesla Model Y ve KGM Torres’te kullanılan LFP bataryalar, soğuk hava koşullarında şarj verimliliğinde ve kapasite kullanımında daha fazla kayıp yaşadı (%20-30 civarı). Tesla’nın tüketim verisi (17.5 kWh/100km) rakiplerinden çok daha iyi olmasına rağmen menzilde geride kalmasının ana sebeplerinden biri, LFP bataryanın soğuk performansı ve toplam kapasitesinin düşüklüğü oldu.
Winter Performance of Togg Models
Etem Sayın, who conducted the test, also evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of Togg models compared to other vehicles in light of the data obtained.
Positive aspects:
- Range: Despite not having a heat pump, Togg models offered a range that wouldn't leave the user stranded even in harsh winter conditions, thanks to their large batteries.
- Handling and Comfort: The vehicles' road handling performance on icy and snowy surfaces was found to be successful.
- Battery Management: Togg's Battery Management System (BMS) ensured stable driving by protecting the battery despite the cold weather.
Negative Aspects and Criticisms:
- High Consumption: While Togg models ranked high in range, they weren't as fuel-efficient (kWh/100km) as their competitors. Tesla consumed 17.5 kWh per 100 km, while the T10X consumed 23.8 kWh.
- Charging Cost: High fuel consumption increases the cost per kilometer. Based on Trugo charging station prices, while the cost of traveling 100 km with a Tesla is approximately 165 TL, this cost can rise to around 365 TL with the Togg T10X. In other words, Togg goes further with its larger battery, but it incurs higher energy costs per kilometer.
Conclusion
Sekizsilindir's winter test in Erzurum demonstrated the winter durability and range capability of the Togg T10X and T10F. In sub-zero temperatures and challenging terrain/climate conditions, Togg's electric vehicles successfully completed long journeys, proving their suitability for Turkish conditions.
While it's true that the lack of a heat pump increases fuel consumption, Togg engineers' choice of a large battery proves to be a successful solution in addressing range anxiety (despite the cost disadvantage). The aerodynamic advantages of the T10F model, in particular, demonstrate the efficiency of the domestically produced car.
