Are you rethinking getting an EV because of how its air conditioning system works? Electric cars are the future. Let’s find out how air conditioning works in an electric car.
In electric cars, the air conditioning system works on power from the battery. The compressor draws the electricity and pushes the refrigerant to the chilling unit. Here it cools down the air before making it to the vent.
People still use conventional vehicles in the present era, but it will only last for a while. Electric cars work differently in contrast to conventional ones. They operate on power from their battery, even their AC system. Let’s learn everything about air conditioning in electric cars.
Are The Air Conditioning Systems Different in Electric Cars?
Yes. The air conditioning systems work differently in electric cars. The main difference between how the air conditioning or heating, ventilation, and air system works in electric vehicles and traditional cars is the power source. Let’s discover the difference between the two in light of the following points.
Source of Power
Classic cars had an internal combustion system – an engine. In contrast, electric vehicles are designed with a battery. The air compressor needs electric power from the car’s battery in electric vehicles. The remaining process for air conditioning is the same in both types of cars.
Refrigeration Principles
Electric cars and conventional vehicles have almost the same refrigeration principles. But it has one thing that differs. EVs use electric compressors with high voltages. In contrast, conventional vehicles’ operations base is the engine.
Heating
Conventional cars use engine coolant to generate heat. It requires no power, which is an efficient factor for such vehicles. In contrast, electric cars must opt for one of the following options to generate heat in the system.
- Using the refrigerant circulation method, let the coolant heat up. In return, the water tanks will get warm enough to produce heated air.
- Use the PTC heat pump. Let the air pass through the evaporator directly.
Do Electric Cars Have Heaters and Air Conditioning?
Electric cars have both heating and air conditioning systems. However, their layouts and designs are different in different models. Some vehicles, for example, Tesla, use resistive heating elements in their systems. Some cars, like Nissan Leaf, have a heat pump cabin heater installed.
Electric cars contain some resistive heating elements. Here have a look at some.
- Metallic Alloys
- Ceramics
- Ceramic-metals
Metallic Alloys
Metal Alloys, for instance, Nickel-Chrome, Iron-Chrome Aluminum alloys, Cupro-Nickel, Molybdenum alloys, and Tungsten alloys, have efficient corrosion resistance properties, low-temperature coefficients, and overall strength.
Ceramics
Ceramics like graphite and Silicon carbide can be used as heat-resistive materials. They are inexpensive with high oxidation properties. Thermal cycling cannot affect these elements.
Ceramic-Metals
Molybdenum disilicide, a resistive heat element, can bear temperatures up to 1,850° C. Compared to nickel alloys and Silicon carbide, this specific ceramic metal has more resistance towards thermal cycling.
Traditional cars use a heater matrix, whereas electric vehicles use an electric heater. For instance, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater is installed in Tesla cars. Its job is to avoid excess burden on the battery or ESS. It ensures that the car cabin does not overheat.
Components of Air Conditioning In Electric Car
The air conditioning system is used to help with the temperature of electric cars. The components in EVs prevent the hot temperature in the vehicles and make the environment cool in the warm season. Let’s discuss the key elements of electric cars in detail.
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Expansion device
- Evaporator
Besides these components, EVs include pipes, valves, sensors, and phase separators, which are also part of electric cars.
Compressor
The essential function of a compressor is to make the refrigerant work efficiently. The refrigerator releases thermal energy directly into the air during the condensation process. A compressor ensures that t is one properly.
Condenser
The air conditioning condenser is a storage heater between the grille and the engine cooling radiator. The refrigerant evaporates into the liquid. Then it moves to the evaporator and cools down.
Evaporator
An evaporator releases cool air into the car cabin. It is also called a cooling unit. In the car’s air conditioning system, an evaporator removes the heat from the cooling loop. It is the most crucial part of your car’s AC system. An evaporator is made of aluminum, similar to radiators but smaller in size, lowering the high temperature.
Expansion device
The expansion device stabilizes the air conditioning system of your car. It efficiently controls the expansion of high pressure. The expansion valves are attached to the evaporator and reduce the stress of refrigerant fluid.
On the contrary, the other components, such as pipes, valves, sensors, and phase separators, help all the critical elements of the air conditioning system in electric cars to proceed appropriately.
How Does An Electric Car’s AC Work?
Electric cars don’t have an engine. Instead, it operates on a battery. In EVs, the battery is the main point. Every operation in an electric car revolves around this powerhouse. As for the process, it is pretty simple.
The compressor in the car drives the power from an electric motor, which is backed up by the battery pack. The electric motor forces the compressor to work like a conventional car. It pushes the refrigerant toward the cooling unit. The unit then disperses cool air through the vents.
If we talk specifically about the Tesla car, its compressor is like a household refrigerator. It has a high voltage capacity of about 400 volts. The compressor is located in the front, and the battery is in the back. According to Tesla’s terminology, the ESS (Energy Storage System) is the battery. The following processes are the same, i.e., refrigerant being pushed into the cooling unit and producing chilled air.
Check Out How AC Motors Work – Electric Cars:
Will EV Cars Cool When Parked?
It depends on how you park your EV. For example, parking it in a shady place will ensure your car is cooled. If you park it in direct sunlight, the cabin environment will be scorching.
You can use your electric car’s heating and air conditioning systems to keep it cool, even during parking. But it will wear down your battery soon. According to research, your EV can face severe issues if you plan a trip in hot weather. Let’s have a look at them.
Decreased Range
In hot summers, excess use of air conditioning in your EV (even during parking) will cause a significant reduction, about 17%, in your car’s range. It implies that if you want to cover 100 miles of distance, your vehicle can only take up to 83 miles.
Battery Drainage
Researchers have studied 6000 electric cars and concluded that you could not drive your EV for long. That means its battery won’t last long in high-temperature areas. However, you can use the following tips as alternatives to cool down your Electric cars.
Park in Shade
The best way to keep your car cool without air conditioning is to park it in a shady place. It will save your battery’s lifespan. If there is no parking space in the shade, try sunshades and windscreens.
Preconditioning
Before starting a long journey, preconditioning your EVs will help a lot. With this setting, you can keep your car’s cabin cool. It is best if you pre-cool your car overnight during charging. Preconditioning your EV will not impact your battery negatively. Preconditioning will take power from the source directly, not the battery.
Charge Your EV up to 80%
You must charge your electric car up to 80% only. A fully charged battery and the high temperature won’t be ideal. If you set it to 100%, you will face the risk of battery degradation.
Drive during cooler parts of the day
If you have planned a trip during summer, try to drive in the late evening or early morning. It will take less from your electric car’s battery. Usually, noon hours and 3 pm are the hottest during the day. So avoid these hours for driving and save your car’s range.
Can Electric Cars Have Instant Heat?
In freezing weather, you will not want to wait 15 minutes for your cabin to heat up. Electric cars have electric heaters installed, so instant heat is not an issue anymore. At the same time, conventional car owners have to heat their engines and wait for the warmth.
In electric cars, instant heat is possible because cabin heat is enhanced with the help of heating resistive elements, drive stators, and heated seats. Another factor that affects heat in the car cabin is its energy consumption.
How EVs Produce Instant Heat in Winter?
As mentioned earlier, electric cars have heat-resistive materials in their systems. EVs produce heat in winter by a process called resistive heating. According to the resistive heating process, the electric current passes through the resistive material. In this way, the heat is generated, and ultimately the cabin gets warm.
How Long Can An AC Fully Cool Your Electric Car?
A car with an air conditioning system is highly reliable when traveling in the summer season. If you own an electric vehicle, it will serve as a cherry on top. That’s because it has no engine. And no engine means no extra heat.
The answer to the question of how long an AC takes to cool your electric car thoroughly is a little bit of time. Yes, you heard it right. In summer, you can get your EV cooled within 3 to 5 minutes after turning your car’s AC on. But if your vehicle is too old, it may take longer.
Well, if you want to have your electric car cooled at an even better time, you must follow these steps to ensure the health of your AC system.
- Start your AC after covering a few miles.
- Keep the temperature low, ideally between 16 to 20 degrees.
- Turn off the recirculation mode if you have company in the back seats. In recirculation mode, the air that comes out is immediately drawn back. So passengers in the backseat may not be able to enjoy the cool air.
- Clean your car’s air filters often.
How Much Battery Does AC Use?
It depends on the climate conditions you are driving your electric car. Such cars usually have two batteries powering them. It is enough for an hour of your AC operations. Let’s see how much battery is required in different climate conditions.
In Normal Temperature
When the temperature is optimal, usually between 25°C to 38°C, your electric car will need only a few hundred watts for AC to execute smoothly. The time range of about 20 to 28 minutes will be enough for your EV to be chilled.
In Extreme Temperature
Whether hot or cold, your electric car will need 1-2 KW of your battery. If your electric car is too hard to start, your car’s resistive will need to come into action and heat the battery. In that case, your car’s AC will require up to 5+ KW.
AC System in Electric Cars During Winter
In winter, electric cars have an air conditioning system to regulate the car’s temperature. Electric vehicles consume the heat from their batteries. The consumption of batteries depends on the temperature of your environment.
Harsh winters are very challenging for electric car owners. EVs drain the batteries faster than usual to work correctly. The most mesmerizing experience is driving in the snow.
- Experience driving in snow
- EV range
- By keeping your EV’s interior warm
Driving in snow
Driving electric cars in snowy weather is safer and more adventurous than many conventional cars. You can drive electric vehicles in the snow without slipping as it has an ultra-smooth motor. Electric vehicles ensure safety with narrow tires and a firm grip on slippery roads.
EV range
As mentioned earlier, the use of AC decreases your EV’s range. In cold conditions, in-car lights are used, and your heating system is used excessively. So it affects your car’s performance.
Keeping your EV’s interior warm
In electric vehicles, the air conditioning functions very efficiently to keep the cabin’s temperature moderate. EV comprises cabin heaters, although they drain more battery power. You can use the preheat feature to save the range of your battery.
Key Takeaway: You have to install this feature before plugging it into the car, so it can provide you with a warm interior without draining your battery.
FAQs
When Did Cars Get Air Conditioning?
Packard introduced a vehicle air conditioning system for the first time in 1939. However, it was marketed but could not gain popularity. In the coming years after World War Ⅱ, many manufacturers installed air conditioning systems in their cars.
Can you leave the air conditioner on in the electric car?
Yes, you can leave your air conditioner on in an electric car. Turning the AC on means an additional burden on the battery. As it draws power from the battery, you will notice issues like battery drainage. One benefit is that AC has a negligible effect on the car compared to other heaters.
How Does Tesla’s Air Conditioning Work?
Unlike conventional vehicles, Tesla cars have an AC compressor in front and an ESS (electric storage system) in the back. The compressor uses 400 volts of power, directed by ESS. It pushes the refrigerant to the chilling unit and cools it.
What powers the air conditioning in a car?
An engine or combustion chamber system powers the AC and heaters in conventional cars. However, there is no engine in electric vehicles, and it operates on battery. So, the AC system is powered by the battery. In Contrast, Tesla cars’ AC system operates on the power from its ESS.
Final Considerations
Undoubtedly, an electric car is better than a conventional one that works on an engine. They have the advantage of being reliable and having high performance. EVs save fuel costs, and because there is no engine in such cars, there is no smoke. This fact makes it environment friendly too.
Speaking of the air conditioning system, all is well. You only need to worry about the battery’s health and your car’s range. You can find some tips above that can help you save your batteries and ranges.
