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Vaisala, a global leader in measurement technology, has launched a new data set for its Xweather road offering, targeting electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This innovative data combination aims to help eliminate weather-related surprises from range predictions, addressing a significant concern among EV drivers.
The new offering enables automakers to simulate the effects of weather and road conditions on EV energy consumption. Range anxiety is a major barrier to EV adoption, and improving the accuracy of range predictions in various weather conditions can help drivers plan trips better and feel more confident behind the wheel.
“EVs are almost like Goldilocks – they like it when the temperature is just right,” explains Lasse Lumiaho, Product Manager, Road Weather at Vaisala Xweather. “The impacts of cold weather on EV battery performance are well-known, but hot temperatures can also decrease range significantly. An EV can lose 20%-40% of its predicted range in extreme temperatures. Add snow on the road and high winds, and the loss might be as bad as 75%.”
According to a 2022 survey, over 60% of EV drivers experience anxiety about range, often leading them to alter travel plans or forgo trips. Current range predictions, based on tests by the US Environmental Protection Agency or automakers’ own criteria, do not always align with real-world conditions, which are influenced by the car itself, driving style, traffic, topography, and weather.
“Out of the four, we have weather covered with our data,” says Lumiaho. “Anyone who has driven an EV in winter knows that cold drains the battery faster. We consider not just temperature, but also factors like windspeed, direction, and rolling resistance caused by snow or water on the road.”
Transitioning away from fossil fuels is urgent, and EVs play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. Removing drivers’ concerns about real-world range in varying weather conditions can accelerate this transition.
“No one wants to do the math every time they plan a trip longer than a grocery store run,” concludes Lumiaho. “Our new offering brings in data in a way that hasn’t been done before. Some car manufacturers and navigation companies are already integrating weather data to improve EV range predictions.”
