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How Do Engineers Test Ariya Batteries For Extreme Cold?
Ontario winters get very cold, but it gets even colder, inside of a unique chamber, at the Nissan Technical Centre North America.
Inside these temperature- and humidity-controlled chambers, Nissan has subjected the all-electric ARIYA to conditions far more extreme than what the average driver will ever face.
"Our chambers are capable of temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius," said Jeff Tessmer, senior manager of Zero Emission Vehicles at NTCNA.
To determine if the ARIYA can sustain its charge level in harsh cold conditions, Tessmer and his team regularly perform a "cold soak" test. During a 24-hour cold soak carried out in early 2024, an ARIYA was left with a 17% battery charge in -20 degrees Celsius weather, without being plugged in or utilizing its battery heater.
When the team returned after a full day, the ARIYA still held its 17% charge and started up immediately.
"We want to test the worst-case scenario so that our customers will still get the same performance in a wide variety of weather conditions," Tessmer said.
It's one of the numerous temperature tests the team carries out when validating a vehicle prior to the start of production.
Certain components undergo testing at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
The ARIYA is outfitted with multiple systems designed to enhance its performance in both extreme heat and cold. On hot days, a liquid-cooled thermal management system maintains the battery at an ideal temperature.
Conversely, on cold days, a battery heater ensures the same. You have the option to activate the battery heater before setting off, ensuring it reaches an optimal temperature for departure.
"When it comes to combatting cold temperatures, the ARIYA is very well equipped," said Ansu Jammeh, an engineer on Nissan's Zero Emissions Engineering team. "The MyNISSAN app lets you prepare the car well in advance. You can even set a timer so that every day, it will warm up at the same time."
Through the MyNISSAN app, you can preheat the cabin, monitor the interior temperatures, and establish a charging schedule.
According to Jammeh you are best off using these features when the vehicle is plugged in so it uses grid power, instead of the vehicle’s battery.
"That way, your car is warm and cozy without having to draw on the vehicle's battery before you start your trip," he explained.
When away from home, you can conveniently use the app to locate a charger on the Nissan Energy Charge Network with ease.
There are numerous benefits to owning an ARIYA in cold weather climates, such as its available e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive.
Additionally, its cabin heats up significantly faster than that of an internal combustion vehicle, as it doesn't depend on an engine for warmth.
"EVs get warmer faster. It's just the nature of the product," Jammeh said.
Nissan has been a trailblazer in the electric vehicle arena since the LEAF made its debut in 2009, and it has perfected the craft of testing EVs for durability and performance.
The testing process spans years, and its time well invested.
"Customers can get in their vehicles and expect the same performance every time," Jammeh said. "Your car is ready for you every day without any drama, wherever you live."
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