Does Parking with Air Conditioning On Affect New Energy Vehicles?
4 Answers
Parking with the air conditioning on does have an impact on new energy vehicles. In the long run, it can easily damage the engine and is also quite costly. Essentially, the air conditioning system in new energy vehicles, similar to ordinary household air conditioners in China, operates on the principle of a heat pump, regulating the interior air temperature through changes in refrigerant state and the conversion of latent and sensible heat. New energy vehicles can be categorized into the following types: 1. Pure Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These rely solely on power batteries and drive motors for propulsion. Mainstream power batteries are primarily divided into lithium iron phosphate batteries and ternary lithium batteries, with the former being earlier in development and offering better safety, while the latter has higher energy density. 2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These are equipped with an internal combustion engine and several electric motors, with the primary power source coming from the internal combustion engine and the electric motors assisting in propulsion. They feature larger battery capacities than mild hybrid vehicles (HEVs), enabling long-distance travel in pure electric mode. 3. Range-extended Hybrid Electric Vehicles (EREVs): These are primarily driven by electric motors, with the engine serving to charge the power battery. Energy can be replenished through charging or refueling, but the sole driving source is always the electric motor, allowing the vehicle to deliver full performance in pure electric mode. 4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): These utilize electrical energy generated from electrochemical reactions in fuel cells, where fuels like hydrogen and oxygen from the air react under the influence of a catalyst, serving as the power source for propulsion.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for several years, and it's common for me to park and turn on the air conditioning, especially during unbearably hot summers. However, it does affect the battery since the air conditioning system relies entirely on electricity and consumes power quickly. Even a short break can cause the battery meter to drop noticeably. Doing this frequently can lead to excessive battery discharge and reduced lifespan, especially if the battery level is already low, which might cause the range to deplete prematurely. I believe it's important to monitor the remaining battery level and preferably keep it above 50% when using the air conditioning to avoid overheating or excessive cooling of the vehicle. Additionally, new energy vehicles produce no exhaust, eliminating the risk of indoor poisoning, making them much safer than fuel-powered cars.
From an energy-saving perspective, idling with the air conditioning on consumes a significant amount of electricity, which can reduce the vehicle's overall range. Based on my own tests, during summer, just half an hour can consume electricity equivalent to driving several kilometers. However, this isn't entirely negative. New energy vehicles perform well in terms of environmental protection, as they produce no exhaust emissions, making them suitable for urban rest scenarios. The main issue lies in their low efficiency; when the air conditioning operates at high power, the battery drains quickly. It's advisable to use smart controls, such as setting a moderate temperature or switching to eco mode, to minimize energy loss.
In terms of safety, it's no problem for new energy vehicles to run the air conditioning while parked, as they are purely electric-driven with no emission hazards. However, it's important to maintain moderate ventilation inside the car. Staying for long periods with the air recirculation on may cause stuffiness, so I usually crack open a window or switch to fresh air mode. This ensures both health and comfort without adding extra burden to the vehicle.
