Air Conditioning Info.

[atomic13]

While talking to Jerome in Jacksonville, he explained that the A/C for the car was to be an electric motor A/C like in the rear of a Chrysler minivan. This is a great idea so it won't steal HP from the engine by using a compressor.

Also the question came up, would the Elio have A/C and heat vents routed to the rear passenger area? Being I'm in South Florida, it would be very important.

Has this subject been beat to death on another thread? Sorry if it has.

 

[JEBar]

While talking to Jerome in Jacksonville, he explained that the A/C for the car was to be an electric motor A/C like in the rear of a Chrysler minivan. This is a great idea so it won't steal HP from the engine by using a compressor.

nice ..

.. info appreciated

Jim

 

[ecdriver711]

If the heat vent for the rear occupant runs under the front seat like in most cars, that should work well. They my run a cooling vent along the right side panel. Just guessing really.

 

[Joshua Caldwell]

yup, and I'll beat it a bit more. It will still steal HP from the engine because the electricity comes FROM the engine. I did not observe any rear vents when I was in it, did not think to ask about the production model for this.

 

[atomic13]

Maybe someone going to the Charlotte show could ask and post it later?

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

This is a great idea so it won't steal HP from the engine by using a compressor.
[...]
Also the question came up, would the Elio have A/C and heat vents routed to the rear passenger area?

As said before, TANSTAAFL. The A/C still gets it's energy from the gasoline. An electric compressor may be more efficient than a belt-driven, but that depends on the particular (read: costly) implementation.

I think it's highly unlikely there will be dedicated passenger vents. Remember: This is an ultra-low cost vehicle where Paul Elio literally walks around the car trying to figure out where he can save another $1 or $2 on parts. Rear ducts are likely in the "unnecessary expense" category.

 

[Terrence]

yup, and I'll beat it a bit more. It will still steal HP from the engine because the electricity comes FROM the engine. I did not observe any rear vents when I was in it, did not think to ask about the production model for this.

I have not read into the ac for some time.Today, I see these 4 posts,seeking a little more clarity if anyone has i?. The four post talk about using an electric ac system, like in the back section of a minivan. You/they mention electric driven, then I see power robbing from motor. I do not see it said this will have an ac compressor driven by the motor (that would be power robbing). Do you know if the elio will have the elio motor driving an ac compressor by belts? I would appreciate it if someone can fill in the blanks? Second question,seemed weeks ago or months it was also said they could not locate a USA supplier for the ac system; has that changed? Can anyone sketch out the ac system for the Elio with all its componets?
thanks for the soon to come information
Terrence

 

[msmith5150]

1/2 sized cabin, won't take much to cool/heat the space. No rear vents needed!

 

[Rickb]

Most Elio runs will be solo.

 

[Smitty901]

Still take power from the engine maybe not as much maybe at different times nothing is free. The battery must be charged and alternators draw HP.
Powering power steering and other accessories like AC by battery allows for smaller lighter units that are easier to fit in the car.