stlgasman

Yesterday when I left work (car parked outside) the outdoor temperature was 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though the car had 75% charge remaining, and the car on EV, it only ran in gas mode. Is this normal. I don’t remember this happening before. I also don’t remember temperatures is cold that it has been exposed to.

agroudan

Was wondering the same thing. Over the last few days, with outside temperatures ranging from 0F to -10F, my Q5e started off in EV-mode as I pulled out of the unheated garage.

However, within a mile or so (less than 5-minutes drive time), EV-mode was disabled and transitioned uneventfully to ICE mode. Charge level remained at/above 90%.

Does the car do this because it determines that EV-mode is not optimal for the current conditions?

3eyedblinky

I’d presume it’s due to climate system load when temps outside are below a certain threshold. Gotta say I’m super impressed how mine has effortlessly kept the cabin 71/72 in -10 temps. It’s like I never left my apt.

scrmorling

If Audi won't run our PHEVs on EV at these low temps, what does it say about running a BEV at the same, or lower, temps?

Steve

Elvisfan

It’s common knowledge that range takes a hit in cold weather. So in the Q5e what’s the point? Besides, has anyone checked if the EV mode comes back after the ICE has warmed things up? The battery is inside the car in the Q5e.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/loca...-snap/3328085/
Tesla has been around for years. I’m surprised we haven’t heard more about cold weather issues.

dcaf

Batteries just don't work to great in super cold environments. Known issue (the manfactures don't mention it enough).

My guess is that below a certain temp Audi made the decision to spare the battery (and potentially it's overall lifespan) by running with the ICE instead. Likely it does warm up the battery so that it's still available in a hybrid capacity to some level to help with efficiency (as efficient as ICE or EV can be in extreme cold...).

For those in super cold environments, I'd also be curious if pre-conditioning the vehicle (while plugged into mains) before leaving helped with the EV availability.

It will only get down into the mid teens tomorrow morning for my commute here, will be curious to see how the pre-conditioning works for me, and the EV mode effectiveness. I expect less power and less range in EV mode, already seen that in sub 40 temps.

rdA4WtQ5

I can vouch that last year our well below zero °F cold snap not a single Tesla parked outside would even turn on until things warmed up a bit.

audgrad

Stigasman, I have noticed the same thing the past few days in the Chicago area. First time in three years I have noticed the feature. As others noted, a full charge hits the range hard - cut by half for me. Happy I don’t have an eTron this winter!

Larsonaut

As an Audi and Tesla owner, I can tell you that this is not true in my experience.
My Tesla has never balked at driving in extreme cold, nor have I ever heard of anyone else having trouble with theirs.

Elvisfan

it’s well documented that extreme cold has a serious effect on the battery. At the same time people who rely on public chargers need to plan better.
Thinking “It’s going to be minus 10 on Tuesday, i think I’ll wait until Tuesday to charge my car” is not the smartest move.