BMW developing infrared heating system for EVs

From AB





Infrared heating surfaces emit "healthy" radiant heat.

Conventional heaters and air conditioners today heat the air inside
the vehicle, which then transfers its heat to the driver and
passengers. In contrast, in systems employing infrared heating
surfaces, energy is converted into infrared radiation, which then
warms the occupants' bodies directly. The heating effect is
operational only one minute after the system is switched on. In
addition, the heat generated by infrared heating surfaces is
distributed without any need for drafts of air and is completely
silent. In the field of vehicle heating systems, modern infrared
heating surfaces are a new solution that not only promotes low power
consumption but also provides a noticeable improvement in the
passengers' level of comfort. Particularly when used in battery
electric vehicles (BEVs), which are purely electrically-driven, in
future infrared heating surfaces will yield gains in efficiency, since
the electrical energy will be used to directly warm the occupants.
Apart from rapidly warming the passengers, infrared heating surfaces
can be used as an additional feature to create an agreeable, cosy
climate within the vehicle. Separate regulated circuits, analogous to
seat heating, with which the occupants can individually set their own
degree of comfort are another possibility. Since each passenger can be
provided with his own individual heating system, it is also possible
to selectively heat only those seats that are occupied and thus reduce
energy consumption.