[basicbill]

I keep thinking about how this car is different from almost all ICE's. We've been having some nice hot weather around my area and I've been using the A/C a bit. While I was sitting in a parking lot, the car was in the 'ON' position but the ICE was not running but the A/C kept pumping out cold air.
This leads me to think that the A/C compressor must be electric instead of belt driven. It also rumbles a bit in that situation.

Any thoughts???

 

[NJ Niro]

I keep thinking about how this car is different from almost all ICE's. We've been having some nice hot weather around my area and I've been using the A/C a bit. While I was sitting in a parking lot, the car was in the 'ON' position but the ICE was not running but the A/C kept pumping out cold air.
This leads me to think that the A/C compressor must be electric instead of belt driven. It also rumbles a bit in that situation.

Any thoughts???

How long were you sitting in the car? I've done this a few times and after a minute or two the engine has kicked on, I'm guessing to help keep it cold air.

 

[Jay]

The AC compressor is electrically driven because most drivers don't want to lose AC when they stop or have the engine run just to support the AC. You can see that the AC compressor (at the bottom of the pic) is outside the serpentine belt loop.

 

[hybrid angel]

Nice info, good to know!! I was curious about how that worked.

 

[KiaKrazy]

This sort of helps with the break down of how electronic air conditioning units in cars work. Apparently it's much like a house system of some sort.

Electronic air conditioning -- An overview of systems found in today's hybrid vehicles - Automotive Service Professional

 

[PAULRIDES]

"""How long were you sitting in the car? I've done this a few times and after a minute or two the engine has kicked on, I'm guessing to help keep it cold air."""

NJ Niro --

I would say the engine starts to recharge the battery. Battery of course discharges when sitting with anything running and I expect quickly if AC is running.

I was siting waiting for my wife (she was in WALGREENS Drug Store for a short time) and listening to music with system on (dash lights, etc.). Eventually (maybe 5 minutes) the engine started, I noticed the battery was down to say 40%.

By the way, if you run on Accessories Only (say for radio) -- you get a warning that you may discharge the battery and recommendation you turn the system on.

 

[Scrutch76]

I set in the car for over an hour with the A/C running in 90 degree heat and the engine would start and maybe run for just 2 or 3 min's and then shut off for around 15 min's and then back on for 2 or 3 min's. I think the heater is going to work the same way as we did have a couple of days that was around 20 degrees and it worked the same way..