Battling Winter Range Degradation

[GetOffYourGas]

I think Nissan is onto something with their heated steering wheel, but that idea could be refined as well.

I have to say that I originally laughed at this idea. Generally when it's cold, I wear gloves. Now that I have it, I love it! My hands are often more comfortable with the heated steering wheel than with gloves. Perhaps I have poor circulation, because my hands don't heat themselves very well.

 

[KJD]

What about heating the car with an outside power source ? This would save the traction pack for moving the car and not heating up the air inside the car.

A small heater like this could be used to keep your feet warm.
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/12-volt-480-watt-auxiliary-heater.html?gclid=CLKVk_rZra4CFQ40hwodfRKbBw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The heater could be powered by an add on battery stored in the cargo area. Tied down properly it would be OK back there.
http://www.evassemble.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=37" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Then use the seat heaters and the steering wheel heater all the time and your need for the climate control would go way down.

The 12 volt aux battery could be recharged with an outside charger at home every night and this battery would be enough for a days worth of driving.

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

What about heating the car with an outside power source ? This would save the traction pack for moving the car and not heating up the air inside the car.

A small heater like this could be used to keep your feet warm.
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/12-volt-480-watt-auxiliary-heater.html?gclid=CLKVk_rZra4CFQ40hwodfRKbBw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The heater could be powered by an add on battery stored in the cargo area. Tied down properly it would be OK back there.
http://www.evassemble.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=37" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Then use the seat heaters and the steering wheel heater all the time and your need for the climate control would go way down.

The 12 volt aux battery could be recharged with an outside charger at home every night and this battery would be enough for a days worth of driving.

that looks like a higher powered version of what I have. A few people here tried the Harbor Freight portable heater. it put out less heat (i think) to the point that i would set it on the seat between my legs and it did an ok job of warming me up.

problem is the logistics of having an extra battery to charge it. seems like a lot of work. Now, i have a jump box which is basically a portable power supply which is what i use it for. dont really have a car I can jump it with although i did use it to jump my Prius a few times. I normally use it for cellphone recharging when camping and such. not sure that it will supply that much power though. will have to check on that.