Hybrid power train and air conditioning?

[slashy42]

Does anyone with experience of the system in the escape know how well the AC system works while the engine is off? My previous experience with cars that have auto start/stop is that the AC doesn't really cool well when stuck at long traffic lights in the Texas summer. In most cars the compressor is tied to the engine belts, so they don't work if it's off. That could be even worse on a hybrid if the engine is off for longer stretches.

I hope they have improved that experience in the years of refining this drive train that the Maverick has in common with other vehicles.

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[Art_Vandelay]

It’s basically the same. If the car starts getting too hot the gas engine starts to run the compressor. Same for heat in the winter. The best thing you can do to negate this issue in the summer is to get a good tint that will stop a lot of heat entering the cabin. I had a tinted BMW for ten years and when I sold it and got a truck I was shocked at how hot I got if the sun was shining on me. I have to crank the AC higher to compensate. I’m taking my maverick to the tint shop ASAP when I take delivery.

edit: actually I take it back. I don’t remember the hybrid kicking on the engine to power the compressor in the summer. Only the heat in the winter.

 

[fbov]

Hybrids have electric AC systems, powered by the HVB, that runs the same regardless if the engine is running. They use a multistage system like those found in many homes, which are very efficient. AC has no impact on mileage that I can find, and it make the car the perfect office: you sit in comfort with the engine off until HVB needs a brief bump.

Plug-ins get an electric heater, so EV miles drop in cold weather. Hybrids use engine heat, only, so you run the engine or shiver.

 

[Maverick-xv]

I test drove escape Hybrid as Maverick proxy and the AC is working with engine off.

 

[theek]

I thought all modern AC systems run off the alternator.

 

[slashy42]

I thought all modern AC systems run off the alternator.

That'd be great if so, and it'd make sense. I don't have a lot of experience with newer cars in this regard. Me and my wife both have 2008s and the compressor is definitely tied to the engine belts.

 

[Wrench77]

If I remember right 2.5l hybrid engine doesn’t even have a drive belt. So the A/C has to be electric. Which is great because that’s one last thing that will need will need maintenance. Also one less thing robbing power from the engine. I really do love the simplicity of the hybrid system.

 

[fbov]

I thought all modern AC systems run off the alternator.

With today's start-stop technology robbing belt-driven compressors of continuous drive, this would make sense.

At the same time, let's keep in mind that an 80A alternator is barely putting out 1kW (P=I x V = 80A x 12V = 960W). The "charger" side of the a hybrid is good for 50-80x that power, and runs +/-10,000 RPM. It's no alternator...

 

[Darnon]

Hybrids have electric AC systems, powered by the HVB, that runs the same regardless if the engine is running. They use a multistage system like those found in many homes, which are very efficient. AC has no impact on mileage that I can find, and it make the car the perfect office: you sit in comfort with the engine off until HVB needs a brief bump.

It absolutely affects mileage to the tune of 15-25% on my Fusion Hybrid. Depleting the HVB faster running A/C means the ICE engine needs to run more and doesn't recharge the HVB as much. So I try to use it sparingly and set the thermostat to a comfortable level instead of absolute icebox. Likewise running the defrost in the winter or on cool mornings to defog the windshield eat a bunch of power as it runs the A/C to dehumidify (there's no option to run the windshield vents without A/C). Some RainX AntiFog does wonders at reducing that necessity.

 

[fbov]

I came from C-Max, same HF35 as the Fusion. High speed, cold weather and stupid driving are the only things that hit mileage to the tune of 15-25%. My best tanks were always in hot weather, the same weather as you. I looked for an AC effect, and while I see fuel quality and tire pressure effects, I was never able to find an AC effect.

Can you share your data showing this strong effect?

I'm also curious why you say the ICE needs to "run more and doesn't recharge... as much?" I see evidence for neither in C-Max. And, if anything, the Escape runs less and recharges more.

 

[Darnon]

Using A/C on the same afternoon route (20 miles) I've gone from 50-55mpg to 41 mpg. As for the ICE needing to run more that should be self explanatory: there's a finite battery capacity so adding an A/C compressor load on top of the drive motor depletes it faster to the threshold it transitions to ICE. As well as when the ICE is running some of the power that would go to the HVB is going to the A/C.

 

[oljackfrost]

It absolutely affects mileage to the tune of 15-25% on my Fusion Hybrid. Depleting the HVB faster running A/C means the ICE engine needs to run more and doesn't recharge the HVB as much. So I try to use it sparingly and set the thermostat to a comfortable level instead of absolute icebox. Likewise running the defrost in the winter or on cool mornings to defog the windshield eat a bunch of power as it runs the A/C to dehumidify (there's no option to run the windshield vents without A/C). Some RainX AntiFog does wonders at reducing that necessity.

Does your hybrid have any of the Copilot 360 items? In relation to RainX AntiFog I’m wondering because on the Subaru iSight I had there were specific instructions not to put any type of coating on the windshield or it would affect the safety cameras. Subaru even warned against the types of additional sprays used in automatic car washes. I haven’t been able to find any info on what Ford recommends.

 

[Darnon]

No CoPilot. On the exterior glass I could see where they'd hedge to recommend against any coating, but presumably the CoPilot camera would be mounted near the upper windshield and anti-fog on the lower driver-viewable area shouldn't matter.

 

[Fast64Ranchero]

my 2020 Hybrid got the best mileage during the Hot summer months. I can not see, nor did I see anything near the mileage decrease talked about here. Winter, yes I would go from 53ish mpg to 48 mpg in the winter. I wouldn't worry about AC effects on mileage, it'll be next to nothing.

 

[Darnon]

Well if Ford has managed to improve the efficiency on their newer hybrid A/C systems that much I certainly won't be complaining.

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