Winter Survival: ICE Cars vs. Tesla in Extreme Cold

Recent winter weather in Virginia has highlighted the challenge of surviving in extreme cold while being stranded on the interstate. This scenario raises a critical question: in the event of a severe winter storm, who would fare better, the driver of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car with a full tank of gas or the driver of a Tesla with a fully charged battery?

Available Heat from Fuel vs. Electricity

One common misconception is that electric vehicles (EVs) are the ideal solution in all driving conditions. However, a thorough analysis of the energy outputs of both ICE and EVs reveals some surprising insights.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Car

A full tank of gas in a conventional ICE car can yield about 2.3 million BTUs of potential heat when burned. This is equivalent to the amount of heat generated by 20 gallons of gas. Assuming the car can convert 40% of the gas into useful heat (a conservative figure), a full tank can produce around 928,360 BTUs of heat.

Electric Vehicle (EV) - Tesla

Comparatively, a Tesla with a 50 kWh battery has 170,600 BTUs of potential heat, while an 82 kWh battery can provide up to 279,784 BTUs. However, the conversion efficiency for heat from electricity to heat in an EV is lower. Assuming only 100 BTUs can be converted to heat from the 82 kWh battery, that's still over 279,784 BTUs available.

While the potential heat from a full tank of gas is significantly higher, the conversion efficiency and the polarizing temperatures can drastically affect performance. At freezing temperatures, a Tesla's battery capacity can drop to half its normal capacity, severely limiting the vehicle's heat output.

Real-World Testing and Survival Scenarios

The practical implications of this energy difference have been demonstrated in real-world scenarios. Even with a 20-degree F interior temperature, a fully charged Tesla can maintain the temperature for more than 24 hours, leaving around 20 gallons of charge remaining. Conversely, an ICE car would consume approximately 12 gallons of fuel (assuming 1/2 gallon per hour) in the same period, leaving only about 8 gallons of fuel for the driver to survive.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While an ICE car may run out of fuel, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is present. In cases where the exhaust system is not functioning correctly, CO can leak into the vehicle and impair the driver's judgment and breathing. However, CO poisoning is also minimized with proper maintenance of the car's exhaust system.

Water and Dehydration

For the Tesla driver, the risk of dehydration looms as the car's battery eventually loses its charge. With no water available, the driver might be tempted to drink melted snow. However, roadside snow can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, leading to severe dehydration and dysentery. Without proper medical treatment, this condition can be fatal.

Conclusion: The Moral of the Story

The conclusion suggests a practical lesson: always carry drinking water on EV trips in extreme conditions. This precaution will help prevent dehydration, which can be more dangerous than freezing to death in colder regions.

Preparedness Tips

To summarize, always check weather forecasts, carry drinking water, and ensure your vehicle's battery and exhaust system are in good condition. These steps can significantly enhance your chances of survival in harsh winter conditions.