Electric vehicles (EVs) are a hot topic right now, with a variety of factors influencing customer adoption as well as economic estimates and consequences for manufacturers.
Indeed, getting a feel for what you really get for the cost with an EV and what to look out for is a bit of an exercise unto itself!
On the technical/mechanical side, the performance of EV features in relation to their counterparts in traditional vehicles is a crucial element of the issue.
Take, for example, air conditioning, because the efficiency, dependability, and longevity of components like the AC are currently – so to speak – giving potential purchasers a lot to think about as they consider making the switch from internal combustion to battery power.
The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system in classic automobiles is powered by the engine.
Because there is no engine in an electric car, the quantity of stored battery energy determines how much power is sent to the AC and just about everything else.
The AC compressor in Tesla Model EVs, for example, is positioned in the front of the vehicle and is powered by the Energy Storage System (ESS) in the back. This compressor runs on 400 volts and sends refrigerant to a separate chilling unit, which cools the air before dispersing it via the vents and into the cabin.
Of course, just as the air conditioner affects engine performance in a regular vehicle – minutely each time, but cumulatively over time – the question of performance impact for proponents and manufacturers of EVs, as well as economic/government organisations, is significant.
As one example, in 2018, the European Union supported research that resulted in the development of an “innovative climate control system that extends the range of electric vehicles while enhancing passenger comfort.” Sounds great, guys.
So, I’m totally sold here, personally. As electric vehicles continue to impress and outperform on a number of levels, I’m feeling fairly chill on the idea that the air conditioning is better too, especially when thinking about the overall reduced emissions and environmental impact.