What is the reason for the noticeable voltage drop when the car's air conditioning is turned on?

[DiJosephine]

Turning on the air conditioning increases the load from two electrical components—the compressor and the high-speed fan—which naturally causes a slight voltage drop, generally considered a normal phenomenon. When starting the car, if the battery voltage does not drop below 9.5 volts (for 12V systems) or 19 volts (for 24V systems), the battery is functioning properly, with 9.5 volts or higher being ideal. Additional Information: Air Conditioning Power Consumption: While the overall power consumption of the air conditioning system may not seem high, during low-speed driving and startup phases, it accounts for a significant proportion of the electrical load, often leading to a noticeable drop in power. However, at high speeds, this effect becomes less pronounced. Engine Reserve Power: The larger the engine's reserve power, the less noticeable the impact of the air conditioning. Conversely, in smaller displacement engines, the effect of the air conditioning is more easily felt.