Cadillac: through the winter without any problems
NO MATTER HOW COLD Although it is a fact that very low temperatures impair the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, the Ultium EV platform of the Cadillac Lyriq is designed to defy this.
General Motors has conducted extensive testing in all areas of electric vehicle performance and durability, including cold weather testing at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius at its plants in Michigan and Ontario. A new 102 kWh battery was developed for the Lyriq electric model, which is arranged like a skateboard between the four wheels. The battery modules are arranged horizontally above the underbody of the vehicle, and the battery pack was also designed as an integral part of the vehicle structure in the Lyriq.
New heat pump system
The Ultium EV platform of the Lyriq has a new thermal system that uses the thermal energy of the vehicle battery to heat the vehicle interior, thereby increasing efficiency. The Ultium energy recovery system captures and reuses waste heat from the battery, drive unit, ambient energy and interior energy.
The battery can be preconditioned by setting a departure time in the infotainment system, which enables the battery to automatically reach the optimum temperature before the journey.
Heated windshield wiper area
Another function that makes cold winter driving more pleasant is the heated area of the windshield wiper parking position. This feature is designed to heat the windshield to melt ice and snow. Water frozen on the windshield increases the weight and drag of the vehicle and draws more energy from the battery. The new heating function keeps the wiper blades free of ice and snow and prevents them from freezing to the windshield. The heating element is inconspicuous and not clearly visible. It therefore offers seamless comfort even in winter.
