How Ford’s New Heat Pump Technology Boosts EV Performance in Winter

Ford has unveiled a vapor-injected heat pump system for its electric vans, improving range by 7–10% in cold weather. Learn how this innovation enhances EV efficiency.

Ford has introduced an advanced Vapor-Injected Heat Pump (VIHP) technology designed to help Ford Pro electric vehicles (EVs) conserve energy and extend their driving range in cold weather. This innovation is a major step forward for commercial EVs, which often struggle with reduced efficiency in freezing temperatures.

Traditional EV heating systems draw significant power from the battery, reducing the vehicle’s range. Ford’s VIHP system solves this issue by extracting heat from the surrounding air—even at temperatures below -10°C—and channeling it into the cabin. By reducing the strain on the battery, Ford claims this technology improves driving range by 7–10% compared to models without a heat pump.

The VIHP system is now a standard feature on the E-Transit Custom, E-Tourneo Custom, and the updated E-Transit models. This upgrade is especially valuable for commercial vehicle owners, where every additional mile of range can make a big difference in daily operations.

So far, there have been no independent tests published on how the system performs in extreme cold, and real-world user reviews remain scarce. However, available data suggests that VIHP has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency in Ford’s electric lineup.

Ford is not alone in adopting heat pump technology. Similar systems are already used in electric models from brands like Peugeot, Opel, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Nissan, and BMW, though their effectiveness varies depending on vehicle design.

There’s also an environmental angle to consider: reducing energy consumption for heating means less strain on the power grid and a smaller carbon footprint.

Whether Ford will expand VIHP technology to other models or refine it further remains uncertain. However, this move already strengthens the company's position in the commercial EV market, making its vehicles a more attractive choice for businesses operating in colder climates.

Source: media.ford.com