More about available energy than lifespan, but here's a "tale of woe"
from a test driver in colder weather. I am surprised that the writer
equates the effects of 10F (-12C) weather on battery chemistry
with someone siphoning fuel from the tank, but so it goes.
I have seen hotels in cold climates (Finland) provide electrical
receptacles for block heaters for IC engined vehicles - which might
be adequate for a slow charge, or at least for maintaining a better
working temperature for a battery pack - too bad the writer didn't
have access to something like that.
My takeaway is that colder regions will need denser charging station
networks to serve long-distance travelers, and that all-electric
vehicles will be less popular for long-range multi-charge trips in
colder climates, but still good for daily commutes and any
"out-and-back" trips where the vehicle can be charged at the
destination while the travelers are doing something else.
(meal, meeting, entertainment, overnight stay, whatever).
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-11/tesla-falls-after-n...
I have seen hotels in cold climates (Finland) provide electrical receptacles for block heaters for IC engined vehicles - which might be adequate for a slow charge, or at least for maintaining a better working temperature for a battery pack - too bad the writer didn't have access to something like that.
My takeaway is that colder regions will need denser charging station networks to serve long-distance travelers, and that all-electric vehicles will be less popular for long-range multi-charge trips in colder climates, but still good for daily commutes and any "out-and-back" trips where the vehicle can be charged at the destination while the travelers are doing something else. (meal, meeting, entertainment, overnight stay, whatever).