Electric A/C

[exsubsailor]

If you can run your A/C with no decrease in mileage you're violating the second law of thermodynamics. It's a tribute to modern engineering that the newer units use so little energy. They weren't like that 50 years ago.

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[wb5oxq]

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?

My Maverick is an ecoboost but I have tried driving the same 50 mile highway trip with and without the A/C on and I cannot see see any difference. Years ago A/C would reduce your mileage 2 or 3 mpg but I guess modern compressors use much less power and also run less except in 100+ degree days.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

My Maverick is an ecoboost but I have tried driving the same 50 mile highway trip with and without the A/C on and I cannot see see any difference. Years ago A/C would reduce your mileage 2 or 3 mpg but I guess modern compressors use much less power and also run less except in 100+ degree days.

The AC compressor in hybrid shows fuse 17 being 10 amps. In past there was a thread stating they thought the compressor ran on 3 Phase, I don't remember the final decision. Does EB also use electric compressor?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

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.

In hybrid max AC high or low heat or cool keeps ice on ALL THE TIME resulting in lower mpg.

 

[themartymac]

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.

This one has been extensively tested in the past from manufacturers via official studies, all the way to MythBusters and other automotive media outlets, and you are pretty much correct. The TLDR findings for 'slippery' cars - they can save measurably with widows-up/AC-on at freeway speeds only, but trucks and SUVs see much less benefit. Below freeway speeds it's always better to use natural AC with windows down.

It would be very useful to see a proper study done with modern hybrids however, as there are certainly fresh variables. As for the aerodynamic characteristics, I certainly wouldn't put the Mav in "Brick" territory. I would suspect the coefficient is much closer to a modern sedan or crossover than a 4x4 F150? When switching from my 2009 Ford Explorer to the Mav, I was surprised how low and slippery this little truck is. The overall noise and windows-down turbulence is noticeably improved as well.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Most powerful Air Conditioner Ever.

Measured it at 4500 watts in the Hybrid.
That's 6 Horsepower for you EB folks assuming it's of similar capability.

A wall unit for a house is 1800 watts.

The air vents will blow your hair back like a supermodel commercial. No joke.

In central CA I never use higher than fan speed 3.

 

[tiktokbrainrot]

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.

The maverick doesnt have the aerodynamics of a brick, if it did the hybrids would be in the mid to upper 40s.

You severely underestimate how much drag open windows create.

 

[Master Blaster]

The maverick doesnt have the aerodynamics of a brick, if it did the hybrids would be in the mid to upper 40s.

You severely underestimate how much drag open windows create.

Huh? C/d is 0.66, or 0.64 on the Lobo. The Hybrid is the same as the EcoBoost. What did you assume it was?

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