Ideal defrost settings to minimize climate use %?

[strahanjen]

New 2024 Flash owner here. For the past few days, we've hit subzero temps for the first time. I'm finding that my climate use hovers around 20-30% just to keep the windows from fogging up while I drive. I generally keep the fan on the lowest setting, only sending air to the windshield and setting the temp at 65. I do have to intermittently turn on max defrost for a few minutes.

I'm wondering if those with more experience with extreme cold driving can give me some tips on keeping the windows defrosted while also minimizing the energy spent for climate use?

Has anyone tried running a mini dehumidifier or portable defroster inside the cab on super cold days? I wonder if that would possibly consume less energy?

Thanks for any tips!

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[Runaway Tractor]

I generally keep the fan on the lowest setting, only sending air to the windshield and setting the temp at 65

You're not moving enough air through the HVAC system with the fan on the lowest setting. You need that thing turned up to at least 4 or 5 fan speed. The AC runs automatically to dehumidify the supply air when you have the defroster vents selected. But if you don't move the air through the system, it's not going to accomplish anything. Depending on how much humidity you're expelling in the cab (number of people in the truck), you may need to increase the temperature too to help dry the air.

This is all no different with an EV than it is with an ICE vehicle. You can't be nickel and diming your HVAC use in extreme conditions. Running it low and cool on a gas F150 would have the same result. The only difference is the heat in an ICE vehicle is free.

Humidity inside the cab comes from mostly you being an alive human. Every exhale is pushing out a significant amount of moisture. Your body also sweats moisture 24/7, even if you don't feel it. If it was raining or snowing outside, your jacket and clothing is now also adding to the moisture in the air. If you have more than one alive creature (human, dogs, alpacas, etc) in the cab, you add more and more humidity. The windshield is below zero and dropping that humid air below the dewpoint. Just like walking outside in the summer with cold beer can.

 

[Heliian]

Plug it into 240v and use the departure times.

If you find its fogging on auto, open the hvac controls and select the defrost. This will keep things more clear, if it's still fogging, hit the max defrost button. Once it clears, go back to auto.

 

[Maquis]

Unless you’re in danger of not reaching your next charging destination, why do you care about the energy used by climate?

 

[strahanjen]

Unless you’re in danger of not reaching your next charging destination, why do you care about the energy used by climate?

Our power company estimated that it will be 4-8 weeks before they connect our new service that we had installed to run our charger. We are having to rely on fast chargers for now so we’re trying to minimize our energy use. The fast chargers are expensive!

 

[Maquis]

Our power company estimated that it will be 4-8 weeks before they connect our new service that we had installed to run our charger. We are having to rely on fast chargers for now so we’re trying to minimize our energy use. The fast chargers are expensive!

4-8 weeks is crazy. I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

 

[Evans]

Recommend using a mobile charger you can carry with you that operates on both 120 and 240 VAC until you get your service installed. This will be sufficient to heat the cabin over night and set it to defrost in the morning.

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