Webasto Range Plus: parking heater keeps electric van interior warm

       Despite the adoption of new-generation battery technology and battery management systems, electric vehicles can still lose 35% of their range by heating their interiors in cold weather. Depending on how the truck is deployed, frequent door openings can cause heat to escape, such as in passenger and package service applications. In addition, windows can cause the vehicle interior to cool rapidly. Temperature-sensitive cargo transportation requires a reliable and constant ambient temperature, so energy is needed to heat the cargo hold.

       Tier 1 automotive supplier Webasto has modified its Webasto Range Plus system to significantly reduce the load on the vehicle's existing electric heaters. The system is a fuel-powered Air Top 2000 STC air heater and fuel tank that can introduce additional heat energy into the vehicle system, allowing the full capacity of the traction battery to be used for the electric vehicle's range.

Image source: Webasto

Pioneering solution for the Mercedes-Benz eVito
       "We decided first to offer the conversion kit for the Mercedes-Benz eVito/EQV. This vehicle type is often used in the extended field of our heating solutions. With this solution, electric vehicle drivers do not have to sacrifice the safety and comfort of a permanent and reliable heat source while still achieving maximum range. The solution is mainly suitable for minibuses to transport patients, students or airport and hotel guests, as well as vans for parcel delivery drivers, traffic monitors and service technicians," said Uwe Trettin, Head of Application Development at Webasto.

       With Range Plus, a parked vehicle can be preheated even without using a charging point, and the air heater also maintains the temperature when the vehicle is in motion.

1,000 certified Webasto partner workshops can retrofit the newly developed system without further training. Installation takes around ten hours and all parts cost around 3,200 euros. The tank holds eight litres of fuel and supports heating at full power for around 40 hours, or even
       longer, depending on vehicle use, weather conditions and temperature perception.

       The retrofit system is available for both car (12V) and truck (24V) systems. The heater is installed between the front and rear axles, where the exhaust system would be in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Depending on the vehicle's application, the heater can be optionally installed to operate with fresh air or recirculated air. When operating with recirculated air, the heater draws recirculated air from the vehicle's boot, so it is more energy-efficient to preheat the air and the unit needs to go into standby mode sooner. The warm air is then distributed in the footwell. The power required for the heater comes from the vehicle's starter battery and is regularly recharged from the high-voltage battery.

All-round safety
       The system was approved by experts from a testing institute in accordance with § 21 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (StVZO). During the tests, the system demonstrated its robustness in the event of a collision or a rollover, for example.

       Trettin added: “As this initial application is well received in the market, we plan to develop further vehicle-specific retrofit solutions. We want to offer flexible and ‘unplugged’ heating for electric vehicles. This way users can work in a comfortable and safe environment even when travelling in winter, regardless of range.”