In these hot climates, air conditioning becomes an almost essential piece of equipment during a car trip. But whether it is thermal or electric, an increase in consumption is to be expected. How much?
Using the air conditioning correctly
In all cases, this level of consumption linked to the use of air conditioning will of course depend on external conditions, mainly the temperature and the model of car used depending on its charge level.
Periodic maintenance also helps to optimise operation: it is recommended to carry out a check, cleaning of the circuit and antibacterial treatment of the filter once a year and a change of coolant every 2 years.
Whatever the engine, electric or thermal, it is of course recommended to use the air conditioning reasonably to limit this consumption. Initially, drive a little with the windows open to evacuate the hot air. After a few minutes, you can close them to start the air conditioning.
Don’t set the air conditioning too high either: ideally, it should not exceed 5 or 6 degrees difference with the outside temperature and, if it is too hot, not exceed 10°C. It is not recommended to set the air conditioning at 20°C when it is 35 or 36° outside.
In a thermal car
Excess fuel consumption varies according to the type of roads used. On motorways, this will mean 0.4 litres more on a 100-kilometre motorway journey and up to 2 litres more in the city, notes an article in La Dépêche, citing a study by Ademe published in 2020.
More generally, it is estimated that the use of air conditioning can lead to excessive fuel consumption of up to 20%. So, far from being negligible.
If you’re traveling with a fan of keeping the windows open as much as possible, be careful. Driving with the windows open can be done in the city or at relatively low speeds, but it won’t really be effective on the highway. The loss of aerodynamics will cause more excess consumption than turning on the air conditioning. It will also contribute to a quieter ride, without feeling like you’re driving through a tornado.
In an electric car
To generate cold, electric cars are necessarily equipped with a heat pump, notes an article in FrancoidIt is in heating that some may offer it as an option, otherwise it will go through an electric resistance that consumes much more.
There is still an excess consumption to be expected when using the air conditioning, estimated at between 1 and 2 kWh per 100 kilometres, and therefore between 5 and 10 kilometres less autonomy.
As with thermals, you should also optimize the use of air conditioning by not setting it too low or by using ventilated seats, if your vehicle has them, as an alternative or additionally.
Source: BFM TV
