Electric A/C

[Andrew.802]

I have tried googling this and got a mixed bag of inconclusive answers. I have a 2024 Lariat Hybrid. I know the A/C is electric. Because it's electric, does it still negatively affect gas mileage like a traditional A/C would?

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[Darnon]

Yes. All power is ultimately coming from burning gas via the ICE.

 

[commadorebob]

A current draw on an electrical system creates drag on the magnets that are spinning to create that power. That drag has to be counteracted by the engine to keep the system voltage steady.

So, yes, the more power you use, the more gas you burn.

 

[rad32]

Think of it as the power that would have gone to move the truck is now powering the a/c. So your gas engine is going to be used more that if it was off.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

I have tried googling this and got a mixed bag of inconclusive answers. I have a 2024 Lariat Hybrid. I know the A/C is electric. Because it's electric, does it still negatively affect gas mileage like a traditional A/C would?

I have seen a 3-4 MPG loss with the heat and using A/C. I am sure both have a significant impact.

 

[NJBob]

I recall reading that you get better mileage with the ac on and windows up. The reason being that open windows create more of a drag. Of course you probably have to take the speed into account. As for heat it's using the heat from the ice
Don't know why other than the fan why this would degrade mileage.

 

[huunvubu]

I have seen a 3-4 MPG loss with the heat and using A/C. I am sure both have a significant impact.

AC will impact MPG more than Heating.

AC is powered by the HV battery only and will need the ICE engine to recharge the HV battery when it gets too low of charge.

Heat comes from the ICE engine. So initially the ICE will need to run some time to generate it but on longer trips the ICE can shut down and heat can still be gotten from the coolant loop. When the temp of the loop drops too much the ICE engine will again run again.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

AC will impact MPG more than Heating.

AC is powered by the HV battery only and will need the ICE engine to recharge the HV battery when it gets too low of charge.

Heat comes from the ICE engine. So initially the ICE will need to run some time to generate it but on longer trips the ICE can shut down and heat can still be gotten from the coolant loop. When the temp of the loop drops too much the ICE engine will again run again.

Found in another post concerning the electric booster heater and when it operates. Edit to add. It is so you don't have to wait for ice coolant to get hot so cabin heat can come on sooner....

 

[Bodageta]

I have tried googling this and got a mixed bag of inconclusive answers. I have a 2024 Lariat Hybrid. I know the A/C is electric. Because it's electric, does it still negatively affect gas mileage like a traditional A/C would?

The only advantage is that if you are stationary and the battery has enough charge, the AC will run without the engine.

 

[huunvubu]

The only advantage is that if you are stationary and the battery has enough charge, the AC will run without the engine.

There also an advantage that being electric that it is instant on and needs no pulley or clutch that is needed on the EcoBoost Maverick so less cost if those need to be replaced.

 

[Master Blaster]

I recall reading that you get better mileage with the ac on and windows up. The reason being that open windows create more of a drag. Of course you probably have to take the speed into account. As for heat it's using the heat from the ice
Don't know why other than the fan why this would degrade mileage.

I doubt that the drag from open windows on a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick would make any significant difference. On the other hand, running the A/C is probably worth about 20hp, which would translate into about 4-5mpg.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

The only advantage is that if you are stationary and the battery has enough charge, the AC will run without the engine.

And when HVB drops to 30% the ice is started and charges to 40% . I do not remember exact times but you can wait in AC cooled truck for wife shopping with ice idling 15-20% of time......been there done that over an hour.

 

[tom_tucker]

I doubt that the drag from open windows on a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick would make any significant difference. On the other hand, running the A/C is probably worth about 20hp, which would translate into about 4-5mpg.

I disagree based on my experience with it. It's gonna drag you and I feel that with the windows open. Running with windows closed and the AC temp set about 10 degrees below ambient temp feels most efficient. The AC set at a high temp like this doesn't use much power. I have a white Mav so I can get away with not using max AC. Still gets good mileage.

 

[tom_tucker]

AC will impact MPG more than Heating.

AC is powered by the HV battery only and will need the ICE engine to recharge the HV battery when it gets too low of charge.

Heat comes from the ICE engine. So initially the ICE will need to run some time to generate it but on longer trips the ICE can shut down and heat can still be gotten from the coolant loop. When the temp of the loop drops too much the ICE engine will again run again.

Seems like that would be true in Texas. You're typically using heavy AC and light heating. However, you can imagine the script getting flipped in a colder climate. I feel like if I tread lightly with the AC, it's just a minor drag on mpg. Ice water, shorts, tank top and light AC.

 

[PSchiefelbein]

Ditto to the last post. I have a '23 Mav hybrid and this summer average temps have been in the 70's and 80's (ND). The AC comes on automatically but I have often been able to turn it off. That said, I am seeing little or no difference in mpg either way. Far more noticeable has been the difference between winter and summer which has indeed been a 5-6 mpg difference

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