Developments in air-conditioning technology could help boost the range of electric vehicles. Studies suggest that ancillary units such as air-conditioning can impact on the range of electric vehicles. However one firm, 3407 Konvekta, has now developed a system based on heat pump technology that does not rely on electricity from the battery. Instead this system uses CO2 as refrigerant and depending on requirements, can be used to either heat or cool the vehicle. It can also dehumidify the passenger compartment, as well as keep the battery in its optimum temperature range.
According to estimates, this technology could increase the range of an EV featuring current lithium ion type batteries by up to 40%.
According to estimates, this technology could increase the range of an EV featuring current lithium ion type batteries by up to 40%.
