A battery also needs a ton of energy to become cold. It’s like 300-500kg of mass you need to freeze. Most cars automatically warm up the battery.
I’ve had an EV in Finland for 4 years now and it’s the best winter car I’ve had. -30 C outside and it’s literally T-Shirt weather inside the car within 10 minutes. Zero issues starting after it’s been sitting outside for a few days either.
How does heat work in EVs?
In ICE cars it’s waste heat generated by the engine, carried via antifreeze to the heater core, which air then passes through. Basically, a radiator.
Where does the waste heat come from? Or is it resistive or a heat pump or something?
Yes.
Heat pump is more efficient, but resistive works fine.
And seat heaters and heated steering wheel are super efficient to keep you warm.