Battling Winter Range Degradation

[DaveinOlyWA]

Thanks to Casey for turning me on to this idea!! But Winter is coming and my range is dropping!!

Anyone trying this?



http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2012/10/battling-winter-range-degradation.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[TonyWilliams]

Does this need a battery?

I use the plug in vest with my motorcycle (that has heated seat and grips, just like the LEAF). I just plug in the 12v cigarette lighter plug, set the temperature, and viola.

http://gerbing.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.warmnsafe.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.webbikeworld.com/heated-motorcycle-clothing/tourmaster-synergy/vest.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[GerryAZ]

Does this need a battery?

I use the plug in vest with my motorcycle (that has heated seat and grips, just like the LEAF). I just plug in the 12v cigarette lighter plug, set the temperature, and viola.

http://gerbing.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.warmnsafe.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.webbikeworld.com/heated-motorcycle-clothing/tourmaster-synergy/vest.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tony,

Does the temperature control on your vest work well? I used my BMW vest in the Leaf last winter after I found an adapter from the small plug to the regular lighter plug. My vest is just on/off so I must turn it off periodically in the Leaf. I am considering a jacket if I can find one with variable temperature control.

I am curious to see how Dave's battery-operated jacket works out. I saw them in Milwaukee's online catalog. They use the same 12-volt Li battery as the compact power tools.

Gerry

Edited to add:
Thanks for adding the chart. Those temperature ranges look like it should be easy to select a comfortable setting.

 

[downeykp]

Gerbing does sell a thermostat that can be modulated. But, what is wrong with this picture. Why should we have to do this. The heating system sucks. Maybe we should be putting more emphasis into this subject along with battery degradation issues. $30,000+\- for a car and the heater doesn't work for sh/t.

 

[grommet]

The heater efficiency will be improved using a heat pump in MY2013, so it's pointless to focus on it like degradation concerns.

 

[GerryAZ]

The 2011 Leaf heater actually works well if range is not an issue. If the heat pump on the 2013 works as well as the ones on my house, that should solve the issue for new owners living in moderate climates.

Gerry

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

it uses a 12 volt li battery which is exact same battery pack used in Milwaukee hand tools. it lasts "up to 6 hours" which obviously means 6 hours at low heat. there are 3 heat settings plus "rapid preheat" so i had to guess i would say either

2 hours at high
4 hours at medium
6 hours at low.

or
6 hours at low
3 hours at medium
1.5 hours at high

this year. add in 20% degradation in the first 2 years and by 2014...

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

Does this need a battery?

I use the plug in vest with my motorcycle (that has heated seat and grips, just like the LEAF). I just plug in the 12v cigarette lighter plug, set the temperature, and viola.

http://gerbing.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.warmnsafe.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.webbikeworld.com/heated-motorcycle-clothing/tourmaster-synergy/vest.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tony; i considered the plug in vest and it was a LOT more expensive and i already have plugs waiting in line to use the dual 12 volt port adapter in the LEAF now. besides the cost being relatively low means that if this is effective, i will most likely being buying another jacket ($115.99) and battery ($34) these can be used for other things besides cruising the LEAF in winter

 

[GerryAZ]

it uses a 12 volt li battery which is exact same battery pack used in Milwaukee hand tools. it lasts "up to 6 hours" which obviously means 6 hours at low heat. there are 3 heat settings plus "rapid preheat" so i had to guess i would say either

2 hours at high
4 hours at medium
6 hours at low.

or
6 hours at low
3 hours at medium
1.5 hours at high

this year. add in 20% degradation in the first 2 years and by 2014...

But Milwaukee sells new batteries so you can calculate your total cost of ownership and keep using the jacket well beyond 2014. They even offer "extended capacity" batteries for the power tools, but I don't know if the larger battery would fit in the battery compartment of the jacket. Maybe Dave can make an adapter!

I have several tools with that battery so I may order a jacket if it works well for Dave.

Gerry

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

it uses a 12 volt li battery which is exact same battery pack used in Milwaukee hand tools. it lasts "up to 6 hours" which obviously means 6 hours at low heat. there are 3 heat settings plus "rapid preheat" so i had to guess i would say either

2 hours at high
4 hours at medium
6 hours at low.

or
6 hours at low
3 hours at medium
1.5 hours at high

this year. add in 20% degradation in the first 2 years and by 2014...

But Milwaukee sells new batteries so you can calculate your total cost of ownership and keep using the jacket well beyond 2014. They even offer "extended capacity" batteries for the power tools, but I don't know if the larger battery would fit in the battery compartment of the jacket. Maybe Dave can make an adapter!

I have several tools with that battery so I may order a jacket if it works well for Dave.

Gerry

Gerry!! thanks for letting me know that Milwaukee sell replacement LI Batteries!!

It has been my experience that this is not the industry standard process...

actually... range is an issue for a commute and have tried the portable heater (does not put out enough heat when temps hit the 30's which will be a daily occurrence very shortly especially at night)

tried the seat heater and it is same. its great warmth on the back (seat part is not heated) but its slow to warm up and does nothing to warm the body core.

either way, the CC has to be used at least a little due to our marine climate and very high humidity so toggling defrost on to keep the windows clear is a must and all that does is introduce a cold breeze making the jacket even more desired!

 

[GRA]

Gerbing does sell a thermostat that can be modulated. But, what is wrong with this picture. Why should we have to do this. The heating system sucks. Maybe we should be putting more emphasis into this subject along with battery degradation issues. $30,000+\- for a car and the heater doesn't work for sh/t.

The heater _works_ fine, it's just that using electricity for resistive space heating is about the most inefficient use of electricity there is, which is why they're putting the heat pump in the 2013s.

 

[vrwl]

I'm considering a completely different path for warmth in the car, a plug-in automotive electric blanket:

http://www.kmart.com/trademark-tools-electric-blanket-for-automobile-12-volt/p-010V004394170000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or something along these same lines. This one says it's big enough to go across both front seats, so both me and my passenger can stay warmer with less heater. Anyone have any thoughts on the feasibility of this?

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

I'm considering a completely different path for warmth in the car, a plug-in automotive electric blanket:

http://www.kmart.com/trademark-tools-electric-blanket-for-automobile-12-volt/p-010V004394170000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or something along these same lines. This one says it's big enough to go across both front seats, so both me and my passenger can stay warmer with less heater. Anyone have any thoughts on the feasibility of this?

interesting. i guess if you can make it work and not hinder your ability to drive...

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

batteries arrived today and charged it up and took it for a spin but unfortunately, its 51º... wouldnt be cold under any circumstances. now the "fast" preheat took 4 minutes and 20 seconds and with it set to "high" the heat is not overwhelming which makes me think it wont be enough when its cold but it does warm the chest and back so it does concentrate on the core area.

more to follow, have to check the extended forecast...

 

[thedak]

I wear a Snuggie

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2012/11/heated-jacket-test-battling-winter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

finally got cold enough weather to do a decent jacket test!

 

[TaylorSFGuy]

Dave showed me his coat when got it and I agreed with his plan. Same idea, just a different coat:

http://www.columbia.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Electro-Amp%E2%84%A2-Jacket/SM7061,default,pd.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Those of us that can't use the heat have to do something. I went with just a plug-in seat heater last winter and it was too hard on me. Thanks Dave for encouraging me to look for a heated jacket.

 

[Gwizzz]

My wife wanted a blanket in the passenger seat so I ordered this $26 one with 12V plug. I will let you know how it works when it arrives:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DYVN9/

UPDATE: Nov.25, 2012 The blanket works great as reported by my family in the back seat. It doesn't fold easily back into its original bag so I have a cloth bag for it. Seems to heat up nicely in about 2 or 3 minutes. Uses 45 watts and has a 30 and 45 min timer.

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

My wife wanted a blanket in the passenger seat so I ordered this $26 one with 12V plug. I will let you know how it works when it arrives:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DYVN9/

while you were looking did you happen to see anything that had its own power pack? also thinking about getting a blanket as well since the jacket worked out as well as it did but would like something that we can take to football games and what not. Son might be starting soccer soon and having something to keep us warm will be a great thing

Those of us that can't use the heat have to do something. I went with just a plug-in seat heater last winter and it was too hard on me. Thanks Dave for encouraging me to look for a heated jacket.

Amen to that. the heated seat and a decent coat works for 90% of the times when temps are in the 40's but when it gets to the 30's or lower, its just too cold. the coat works great. only issue i have is the feet. but i was basically in the car for 2+ hours straight more or less. in a regular commute, it would be drive an hour, park for the day then spend an hour to drive home.

i am surprised my hands were not colder. I have a great pair of gloves that i used a lot last winter but didnt really need them.

 

[ksnogas2112]

My Columbia coat

http://www.basspro.com/Columbia-Bugaboo-Tech-II-Interchange-OmniHeat-Jacket-for-Men/product/12080905030098/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

keeps the top warm. The problem I have is freezing feet. If this keeps up I'm going to get more:

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/ua-hitch-heavy-cushion-boot-socks/pid1209243-001" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a couple pair I use for Scout campouts. I need enough to cover the full week now.