GSNL Edition 3 ROI

Hybrids, EVs and th

You will no doubt start to see an increase in hybrid and electric vehicles entering your workshop over the coming months. Question is, do you have the skills and equipment to deal with them? As air con season is upon us, more vehicles will be making their way to your workshop with air con system issues and some of those will be hybrid and electric vehicles. Do you and your staff know the fundamental differences between an internal combustion engine aircon system and a hybrid and EV system?

Let’s take a look...

■ The greatest risk for a hybrid electric air con system is that if the incorrect type of PAG oil is used, it may conduct high voltage to the compressor case or connected components. A person may receive an electric shock if they touch the compressor or engine and an appropriate ground, and components will be damaged. ■ The air con system in a hybrid or electric vehicle is not only there to give cabin comfort, the system is essential in providing cooling to both the electric motors, axles and the battery systems, both of which produce large volumes of heat in use, and without a working, efficient air con system, will overheat and fail. ■ Sensors in the compressor case can detect very small voltage leaks. Once a leak is detected, the control system will shut down the compressor.

■ The air conditioning compressors in some hybrid and electric vehicles are operated by an electric motor instead of a drive belt. ■ The oils used in these compressors are formulated to have high dielectric properties, that makes them non-conductive. As little as 1% contamination by improper oil can reduce the dielectric properties. ■ Users must have an air con machine that is ‘Hybrid ready/compatible’ – the function to self-clear its hoses and oils so that no cross contamination occurs. ■ If a different type of oil gets into one of these compressors a variety of issues may occur.

Machines and products suitable for hybrid and EV

ECK NEXT PRO 251775070 R134a Model 251775080 1234yf Model

ECK FLAG 251774090 R134a Model 251774100 1234yf Model

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R134a 1234yf

R134a 1234yf

12 Ltr

12 Ltr

5" TFT

7" TFT

3 m

3 m

With printer

With printer

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