Heated seat belts are being claimed as another way to increase the range of electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne. The issue is being promoted by the automotive components developer ZF, who say that in cold weather their use could add 15pc to an EV’s range. It is well established that heated seats are the best way to stay warm in an electric car, allowing less dependence on the normal heating-ventilation system which is a bigger draw on the battery system. The ZF heated seat belt is marginally thicker than the standard ones in use, with integrated heating elements in the fabric. No changes to the other elements of the seat belt system are required. So far, no car company has been named as a customer — but it’s not so long ago that heated seats were unknown in temperate markets like Ireland, now we almost expect them. So they’ll come, you can bet your winter jacket on it.