a/c and electric cars

[LarryJ]

can air conditioners be installed in vehicles that have been converted to 100%electric? if so, can i assume that running one draws a large amount of amps?

[Jay2TheRescue]

Well,you can always install a 12 volt rooftop air conditioner - that's the easiest solution, however you'll take a huge hit in your arerodynamics unless you're installing it on an RV, bus, or van. If you've converted a Geo Metro to electric its not that practical. Otherwise it can be done, but I imagine that the motor you install to run the compressor will probably take a lot of power to run.

[trollbait]

The Prius uses an electrical compressor. Don't know about its power requirements.
A company that does Ranger conversions, EVlion I believe, leave the factory a/c in place, and run it off the drive motor.

[JanGeo]

Compared to the power needed to move the car the electric motor driven A/C compressor is not using a lot of power. Remember you have high voltage in an electric car. eCycle sells their motor as a compressor drive for trucks that usually run off 24 volts but it can run on 12 volts at up to 400 amps depending upon the compressor load.

[Jay2TheRescue]

After looking around, this company seems to have a decent selection of units. Their 12 volt unit uses 30 amps @ 12 volts. Very doable...

http://www.sunpowertech.com/residential.htm

[rgathright]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

After looking around, this company seems to have a decent selection of units. Their 12 volt unit uses 30 amps @ 12 volts. Very doable...

http://www.sunpowertech.com/residential.htm

Nice find!

[cat0020]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

After looking around, this company seems to have a decent selection of units. Their 12 volt unit uses 30 amps @ 12 volts. Very doable...

http://www.sunpowertech.com/residential.htm

But at $2699.00 you could buy a decent used car with A/C.

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

... or tile the roof with peltier elements.