Originally Posted by Uphill_Both_Ways
It's -21°F here as I post this, (9:45 a.m.) with the low tonight forecast to drop to -26°F - not windchill temperatures.
I still want to know how long a Tesla or any other electric would remain mobile after a full charge in those temperatures, even with the heater and everything else that can be turned off turned off, with the driver and passengers cocooned in hooded parkas, ear muffs, mitts and mukluks. Surprise, surprise: Internet searches turn up nothing but crickets.
Best estimate, looking at the twitter and reddit comments from Tesla owners, maybe 50% of rated range at those temps.
A couple of interesting tidbits re: the Model 3.
It doesn't have dedicated battery pack heaters, the motor coolant is used to heat the batteries, which could take forever in really cold weather. Probably a cost cutting move vs Model S and X.
Important because unless the batteries are warm, the charge rate is cut to 25% or worse. In cold weather the common fix is to drive for an hour to warm up the system before rapid charging...like really????
Regen is cut to 5% in cold temps, which really kills range.
Some have started to show no starts, no life, like the circuits are all dead, gee, almost like an ICE at cold temps. But you can't boost a Tesla to get it going.
Multiple reports of door handles freezing and filler flap either freezing, or can't unhook charger.
PS You were being generous in your scenario, you would need heaters on max heat, the windshield and side glass would fog up. Which I'm sure you know.
And... Going to -30C or -22F tonight here, without wind chill.