L1 charging a cold-soaked battery - bad idea?

[Seattleite]

Hi all, especially folks from the frozen north. I was wondering - is it worth L1 charging in cold weather overnight? I seem to recall (but can't find) a post which stated that plugging in to a 110V outlet in freezing temps actually caused a range loss overnight. I know that when charging, the car stays on, so that's ~600W lost right there, but wouldn't that still leave ~1kW for battery warming and/or charging? Any thoughts, observations, real-life data?

Thanks in advance!

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[Mellowyellow]

If you can plug in when the battery is still warm you’ll be net positive.

 

[MidnightM00N]

Did it visiting family in Michigan last weekend. Very cold and car was parked outside. The battery was definitely cold soaked when I plugged in because we got in late at night, parked in their driveway, and I didn't plug in until the next day. Still easily gained throughout a couple days of charging. Got 10-12% per 24 hours, so not horrible.

 

[evcars4all]

s it worth L1 charging in cold weather overnight?

Like most wide open questions like that, "it depends."

Yes, if cold enough (and wind plays a factor), yes, more energy can be expended trying to keep the battery pack warm enough to charge than is available from the L1 charger.

> ~1kW for battery warming and/or charging?

The battery pack is massive, and it's exposed to the elements. 1kW of electric heat is not more than a candle in the wind on a below freezing, windy day.

 

[Aardvark]

Make sure your cabin heater and seat heaters are turned off. I observed once when trying to Level 2 charge in -15 deg F, that turning on the heater consumed more power than the 6 kW commercial charger could provide. Good advice above to try and start your charge while the battery is still warm.

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