Electric vehicles defy the traditional challenges of high-altitude driving.

Unlike gas-powered cars that lose power as the air thins, EVs actually thrive in these conditions. However, conquering steep mountain passes comes with its own set of hurdles. Climbing to higher elevations significantly drains an EV’s battery, but the good news is that regenerative braking can recapture a substantial portion of that energy on the descent. To accurately measure this energy exchange, TFLEV’s Loveland Trials put EVs to the test, tackling the demanding climb and descent of Loveland Pass.

Mountain driving in an EV is a double-edged sword. While these vehicles excel in high-altitude conditions, often delivering enhanced performance, conquering steep climbs can rapidly deplete battery life. Careful planning is essential to avoid range anxiety. Fortunately, the downhill stretches that often follow mountain passes offer an opportunity to replenish the battery through regenerative braking.

Please go to this video for the drive

The video features a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 equipped with the 77.5 kWh Extended Range battery, boosting its range from 220 to 260 miles compared to the standard pack. Starting with a near-full charge of 99%, the car’s estimated range of 256 miles aligns closely with the EPA estimate.

Mountain passes introduce another variable: temperature. Significant temperature drops, especially during stops, can unexpectedly drain battery life as the car works to maintain optimal battery conditions. EV batteries function best within a specific temperature range. Extreme weather outside this window forces the car to expend energy on heating or cooling the battery, impacting overall range.

The TFLEV team tackled the mountain pass during summer conditions, minimizing the impact of sudden temperature changes. After covering 74.1 miles to the summit, the car’s predicted range dropped by a significant 118 miles. This steep decline, attributed primarily to the climb, resulted in a drastically reduced efficiency of 2.2 miles per kWh compared to typical driving conditions.

The descent offered a stark contrast. Regenerative braking kicked in, boosting efficiency to 3.7 miles per kWh by the end of the nearly 149-mile journey. The car retained 46% battery charge upon reaching the bottom. It’s crucial to maximize regenerative braking during downhill sections to recoup energy. While coasting can be efficient on flat terrain, relying solely on friction brakes during steep descents can lead to overheating and reduced braking performance, in addition to wasted energy.

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