Electric vehicles have come a long way in recent years, with rapid advances in battery range, charging speeds and in-car technology. One of the quieter but increasingly important innovations is the heat pump and something we get asked about quite a bit in Nevo HQ. While the term may seem technical, understanding what a heat pump does can help buyers appreciate why it has become such a valuable feature in modern EVs, particularly for drivers in cooler climates. Ordinarily Ireland enjoys mild winters but heat pump knowledge is still important.

Firstly, what exactly is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that helps manage the cabin temperature of an electric vehicle without relying heavily on the main battery. In a petrol or diesel car, waste heat from the engine warms the cabin. An EV does not produce this kind of waste heat, so it must generate warmth using electricity. Early electric cars typically used resistance heaters, which convert battery power directly into heat. This approach works, but it consumes a significant amount of energy that would otherwise be used for driving. A heat pump solves that problem by using a more efficient method to move heat rather than create it.

How does it work?

The easiest way to understand how a heat pump works is to compare it to a home refrigerator or air conditioner. Instead of creating heat, it simply moves existing heat from one place to another. In an EV, the heat pump captures small amounts of thermal energy from the outside air, the drivetrain, and even the battery system. And yes, there’s still usable heat available even on colder days.

Once collected, the system compresses and concentrates that heat before sending it into the cabin to warm things up. When cooling is needed, the process flips, removing heat from the cabin and releasing it elsewhere.

Because it transfers heat rather than generating it, a heat pump is far more efficient than a traditional resistance heater. In many situations, it can use around half the energy, leaving more of the battery available for driving. This is especially helpful in winter, when EV drivers often notice a dip in range due to cabin heating. A heat pump helps reduce that loss, making cold-weather driving much less of a worry. It also improves pre-conditioning efficiency, helping both the cabin and battery reach optimal temperatures before you set off.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of a heat pump go beyond efficiency. By helping the battery stay within an ideal temperature range, it supports better performance and long-term health. It also warms the cabin faster and with fewer temperature swings than older EV heater systems. On frosty Irish mornings, the difference is immediately noticeable, your car heats up quicker and uses less energy doing it.

While heat pumps are becoming increasingly common, they’re not yet standard on every electric car in Ireland. Premium brands like Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Polestar typically include them as standard. Hyundai and Kia offer them across much of their EV lineup, though sometimes only on higher trims. Volkswagen Group models such as the ID.3 and ID.4 have offered heat pumps as optional extras depending on the model year, so buyers should double-check the spec. More affordable EVs, from brands like MG, Fiat, and Renault, may include a heat pump only in certain packages or not at all. With availability varying between models, it’s always worth checking the details before you buy.

Understanding is key!

Understanding how a heat pump works helps clarify why it has become one of the most sought-after features in modern electric vehicles. It improves range in cold conditions, enhances cabin comfort and reduces the energy burden on the battery. For Irish drivers who regularly face cool winters, damp mornings and short commutes, a heat pump can make an EV feel more capable and more consistent throughout the year. As more manufacturers adopt the technology, it is likely to become standard across most EVs in the near future. For now, buyers who want the best efficiency in all seasons should look carefully at whether the car they are considering includes this important feature.