How an Electric Car Air Conditioning System Works and Its Maintenance?
11 May, 2023
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular among the public due to their efficient performance and eco-friendliness. However, a question arises as to whether electric cars are equipped with an air conditioning system like conventional cars. The electric car’s engine does not generate heat, which is why electric cars need to use a specially designed heating and cooling system.
The air conditioning system in an electric car is similar to that in a conventional car but has a few differences. So, how does the cooling system in an electric car work?
System and Operation of Electric Car Air Conditioning
The air conditioning system in an electric car is very similar to a conventional car’s AC system, allowing for air circulation inside the car cabin. However, the difference lies in the fact that in an electric car, the AC system uses electrical power from the car’s battery rather than an internal combustion engine.
An electric car has a battery that serves as the energy source to power the electric motor, which, in turn, rotates the car’s wheels. Additionally, the battery in an electric car is also used to supply power to the AC system. The electric car AC system consists of three main components: the compressor, the heat exchanger, and the fan.
Firstly, the compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant within the system. The refrigerant then flows to the heat exchanger, where the air inside the car passes through to cool it down. Lastly, the fan helps accelerate the air circulation inside the car cabin.
Since the electric car’s AC system requires power from the car’s battery, the use of the AC can affect the driving range of the electric car. However, the latest electric car AC technology, such as that found in the Wuling Air ev, is designed to optimize energy usage in a smart and efficient manner. Therefore, the use of AC will not have a negative impact on the driving range of the electric car.
As for information, the Wuling Air ev is an electric car equipped with a refreshing AC system that provides comfort within the cabin. It is known that the AC in the Wuling Air ev has several features that allow for optimal temperature and humidity control inside the car cabin. This certainly adds value for consumers seeking comfort during their drives.
Differences Between Conventional and Electric Car AC
The main difference between a conventional car AC and an electric car AC lies in the power source used. A conventional car’s AC relies on an internal combustion engine to drive the compressor. On the other hand, an electric car’s AC utilizes power from the car’s battery.
Furthermore, the AC compressor in electric cars is smaller and lighter compared to conventional cars, as it requires less power. Additionally, the cooling system in electric cars is simpler and easier to maintain, consisting of only two main components: the evaporator and the condenser. Therefore, drivers must consider using the AC wisely and efficiently to prevent the battery from draining quickly.
AC Components in Electric Cars
Although simpler compared to conventional cars, the cooling system in electric cars still consists of several main components. The AC components in electric cars include:
- Evaporator: This component functions as a heat absorber in the car cabin. Incoming outside air passes through the evaporator, and the heat in the air is absorbed by the refrigerant.
- Condenser: This component serves as a heat exchanger that dissipates the heat extracted from the car cabin. The heat taken from the car cabin is expelled into the air through the condenser.
- Compressor: This component acts as a device to compress the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant flows to the evaporator to absorb heat.
- Expansion valve: This component regulates the flow of refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator.
How to Maintain Electric Car Air Conditioning Components
To maintain the performance of electric car air conditioning, regular maintenance is required. Here are some ways to take care of electric car air conditioning components:
- Clean the air filter: The air filter in an electric car needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure good air circulation in the cabin.
- Check refrigerant pressure: Make sure the refrigerant pressure in the electric car air conditioning system is according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspect AC components: Regularly check the condition of AC components such as the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve to ensure there are no damages or leaks.
- Use the AC wisely: Use the air conditioning system wisely and efficiently to prevent the car battery from draining quickly.
Car air conditioning maintenance, also known as cabin cooling, requires routine care. Particularly in electric cars, AC systems require special attention due to the different workflow compared to conventional car air conditioning.
According to Medcom, Kevin Ong, the Head Mechanic at Rotary Bintaro, stated that electric car air conditioning is more complex as it relies entirely on electricity. For instance, hybrid cars require different compressor oil, freon, and refrigerant compared to conventional cars. Therefore, conventional car AC components cannot be used in hybrid or electric cars. Additionally, they are also more expensive.
Overall, the AC system in electric cars has its advantages compared to conventional cars. Nevertheless, proper maintenance is still necessary for the electric car’s air conditioning system to work optimally. This way, we can enjoy the comfort and good performance of the electric car air conditioning system, as available in the Wuling Air ev.
