What Freon to use to fill the air conditioner of an electric vehicle?

The air conditioning system of any car, even the most serviceable one, is unfortunately designed in such a way that losses of its working substance - refrigerant - are inevitable. The physics of the process is determined by the characteristics of Freon itself - this gas is extremely volatile and tends to leak through even the highest quality seals. The annual loss is on average 15%, so the air conditioner needs to be recharged at least every 3-4 years.

Choosing the right freon for an electric car is important not only for the efficient operation of the climate system, but also for the safety of high-voltage components. Let's take a look at which Freon is best suited for electric vehicles, the specifics of its charging and why you should contact professionals such as STS in Warsaw.

The best brand of freon for electric vehicles

The main freon used in modern electric vehicles (as well as in most conventional cars manufactured after 2011) is R-1234yf. It replaced the older R-134a due to environmental regulations and reduced environmental impact.

Why R-1234yf?

• It has a low global warming potential (GWP), which complies with environmental standards, in particular, Directive 2006/40/EC.
• Ensures safe operation of the air conditioner when interacting with high-voltage car systems.
• It is used by most automakers, in particular in electric cars Tesla, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Renault Zoe, etc.

Although R-1234yf has better environmental performance than its predecessor, it also has certain disadvantages: it is relatively flammable (auto-ignition temperature of 405°C) and is afraid of contamination with oil or other gas. This entails more requirements for the design of climate control equipment, as well as the quality of its maintenance.

Important! Despite the fact that the air conditioning systems of most vehicles, including electric cars, are fundamentally capable of working with both of these substances, and the above-mentioned freons themselves are generally interchangeable, but simply belong to different environmental classes, it is strictly forbidden to mix them. That is why different fittings are used to charge each type of freon, which differ in shape.

Before changing the type of refrigerant, the system must be flushed and dried (vacuumed). Without this, it will not be possible to charge the right amount of gas. That is why qualified specialists will never «top up» freon. It must first be pumped out of the air conditioning system, its volume measured and only then pour a new one in the right amount along with the appropriate amount of oil.

Why air conditioning serviceability is especially important for an electric car

Unlike traditional cars, where air conditioning is used primarily for passenger comfort, in electric vehicles it plays a critical role in maintaining the operating temperature of components.

1. Battery cooling. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to overheating, and an efficient air conditioning system helps to avoid a decrease in their performance, extend their service life and even avoid emergencies up to and including battery and vehicle fire.
2. Preventing overheating of the inverter and electric motor. Electrical systems generate a significant amount of heat, and without proper cooling, their efficiency can be significantly reduced. In addition, overheating can cause bearing failure and motor jamming.
3. Energy efficiency. If the air conditioning system is malfunctioning, it can lead to increased energy consumption and a reduced driving range.

Peculiarities of refuelling the air conditioning of an electric car

Filling the air conditioner of an electric car has a number of specific nuances:

1. Special oil for the compressor. Electric vehicles use PAG or POE lubricant, which has dielectric properties (does not conduct current) and is compatible with high-voltage systems. The use of an unsuitable lubricant can lead to a short circuit and compressor failure.
2. System tightness. As electric vehicles are very sensitive to moisture, their air conditioning system must be perfectly sealed to avoid Freon loss and damage to internal components. It's worth noting that when looking for leaks in electric vehicle air conditioning systems, it's best not to use dyes added to freon, as they worsen the dielectric properties of the lubricant.
3. Precise dosage. The wrong amount of freon can lead to problems, such as overheating of the compressor, insufficient cooling of the system, and others. Therefore, refuelling is carried out only according to the clear parameters specified by the car manufacturer.

Where and how best to refuel an electric car air conditioner

Self-charging the air conditioner of an electric car is not recommended due to the high complexity of the procedure and the need for professional equipment. The best option is to contact a specialised service, where:

Use certified equipment for working with electric vehicles.

Complies with safety standards when servicing high-voltage systems.Use only freon and oils recommended by the manufacturer.

Why you should contact STS in Warsaw

If you need a professional air conditioning recharge for your electric car, contact STS and get the highest level of service!

STS in Warsaw is a leader in the field of electric vehicle maintenance, offering a comprehensive solution for air conditioning refuelling:.

• Many years of experience with electric cars allows us to guarantee the quality of services.
• Narrow specialisation in electric vehicles and other high-tech vehicle components and systems allows us to carry out work of high quality and qualification.
• We have our own professional MSG brand equipment that ensures the accuracy of refuelling and diagnostics. This includes the MS111 compressor diagnostic stand and the MS101P pneumatic flushing station for air conditioning systems.
• A quality guarantee for all work performed and parts used, which is at least 6 months.

Conclusion

Charging an electric car's air conditioner is not just a routine procedure, but a technically complex process that requires a professional approach. Using the right freon, meeting specific requirements, and using a reliable service are key factors in successful maintenance. That's why it's worth relying on experts such as STS in Warsaw to ensure that your electric vehicle always remains in excellent technical condition.