Heat Pump
A heat pump is a climate-control system that moves heat between the vehicle and its surroundings instead of producing all cabin heat directly with an electrical resistance heater.
Why it matters in an EV
Cabin heating draws energy from the traction battery. Under suitable conditions, a heat pump can deliver more cabin heat per unit of electrical input than resistance heating by using heat from outside air or recoverable heat within the vehicle. That can reduce the range penalty from heating.
Performance is not constant. Outside temperature, humidity, system design, available waste heat, defrosting, cabin setpoint, and trip length all affect the benefit. Vehicles may supplement the heat pump with resistance heating when more heat or faster warm-up is needed.
The presence of a heat pump does not establish a fixed winter-range improvement, and heating strategy varies by vehicle and software. Preheating while plugged in can also change how much battery energy the trip uses. See Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning for cabin conditioning, battery heat, preconditioning, and cold-weather energy use.