2022 Lightning AC performance = doing very well

[GDN]

I'll put in a good word for the AC. I've just had the truck a few days, but the temp hit 109. I was out in mid afternoon and it was freezing me out. I had the temp set on 68 and the seat on, but it did a great job.

I'll note that outside the truck it truly sounded like there was an ICE engine under the hood. It can make some noise, but it handled the heat.

This is a Lariat with Max Tow, so it has the second AC, I would assume that is dedicated to the battery and motors however. I don't know if we know what the coolant loops look like yet or not.

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[metroshot]

Does the Lightning AC use a standard compressor & fan style cooling like an ICE ?

 

[GDN]

Does the Lightning AC use a standard compressor & fan style cooling like an ICE ?

It is a standard compressor but runs on electricity of course. The heater is resistive style. It is not a heat pump if that is the question.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Does the Lightning AC use a standard compressor & fan style cooling like an ICE ?

High Voltage battery powers a motor on the AC compressor(s)
12v DC fans cool the condenser coil

 

[Roy2001]

The winter, the freezing cold weather would be really challenging. The heater would reduce the soc quickly.

 

[It's Just Me]

I'll second that. I am not normally an AC fan when driving. I like the feel of the air blowing over my bald head and out the back window.

Today was pretty toasty, and since I just had the front windows tinted yesterday I can't put the windows down for a few days. I honestly was fairly impressed with how well and quickly the truck cooled down inside.

I hate cold, but I will say that I am pretty interested to see what happens in December when it's cold enough to freeze a witches t!t.

 

[metroshot]

High Voltage battery powers a motor on the AC compressor(s)
12v DC fans cool the condenser coil

Awesome!
What a great forum with such knowledgeable members.
Since my Lightning is supposed to be here this week, I am planning on running the AC all the time.
Where I live, it's AC weather 300 days out of the year -and no winters here so no worries about range drop.

It's funny these past years I try not to run the AC even in 100+ degree weather because the gas mileage drops like crazy.

My wife says I am crazy and will get heat stroke driving with windows down. I showed her how much a tank of gas just cost yesterday at the pump - first time it was under $100.

 

[Paulightning]

It's interesting to me that the backup sound in the Lightning is quieter than the one on a powerboost, but my Lightning is without a doubt far louder than an ICE F150's engine/fan noise. Those cooling fans are BLARING in this 100+ weather.

 

[Roy2001]

It's interesting to me that the backup sound in the Lightning is quieter than the one on a powerboost, but my Lightning is without a doubt far louder than an ICE F150's engine/fan noise. Those cooling fans are BLARING in this 100+ weather.

The AC fan sounds louder because there is no ICE?

 

[FlasherZ]

I had someone stop me the other day and say "you left your truck running" while the HVAC was being used remotely to cool it down. It does sound louder than an ICE engine when those fans kick in.

In other news, I wonder if the HVAC compressor is a high-efficiency variable scroll compressor or if they went more traditional? Gotta believe they went with scroll to maximize battery.

 

[beatle]

How consistent is the temperature? In my 2007 Ridgeline I almost never have to move the dial from 72. It just gets to that temperature and stays there. In my Model S I am frequently fiddling with it, usually turning it up to 74 so I'm not frozen to death when starting off, and then I'll gradually turn it down to 72 on a hot day. On a less hot day or a cloudy day I leave it at 73.

 

[GDN]

It's interesting to me that the backup sound in the Lightning is quieter than the one on a powerboost, but my Lightning is without a doubt far louder than an ICE F150's engine/fan noise. Those cooling fans are BLARING in this 100+ weather.

I will note that I've had the truck for 5 days and have yet to hear the low speed sound. It is very quiet and for that I am thankful.

The AC fan sounds louder because there is no ICE?

Uh, no, it sounds louder because that baby is cranking. It is louder than any ICE you've heard in recent years.

I had someone stop me the other day and say "you left your truck running" while the HVAC was being used remotely to cool it down. It does sound louder than an ICE engine when those fans kick in.

In other news, I wonder if the HVAC compressor is a high-efficiency variable scroll compressor or if they went more traditional? Gotta believe they went with scroll to maximize battery.

You are correct, I'm all about cool and don't care what noise it takes to get there, but that AC is loud and cranking.

 

[GDN]

How consistent is the temperature? In my 2007 Ridgeline I almost never have to move the dial from 72. It just gets to that temperature and stays there. In my Model S I am frequently fiddling with it, usually turning it up to 74 so I'm not frozen to death when starting off, and then I'll gradually turn it down to 72 on a hot day. On a less hot day or a cloudy day I leave it at 73.

For me it has been consistently cold. I've set the thermostat on 68 and keep the seat on high. It cools down and keeps it very consistent at that temp. So far the AC kicks butt and is almost perfect. I do wish for a little more air through the seat, but it is doing well.

 

[broncoaz]

The winter, the freezing cold weather would be really challenging. The heater would reduce the soc quickly.

I’m planning on adding seat heaters on my Pro as they keep me comfortable and won’t effect the SOC as much. Too bad I probably can’t make a heated steering wheel work.

 

[Avocadodude]

Such a great post! A/C is good but seat cooling is even better. Been hot and humid this week. Yes, us SoCA folks don’t know what humidity is, but it’s been darn moist (not that irrigation on Avos hasn’t been non stop). I had someone today say “ is that the hybrid” to which I responded no, it’s all electric. They wanted to know what all the noise was, and I explained theres still fans and compressors in an electric vehicle. Just no engine noise to drown it out.

very impressed with climate control. Works much better/more stable temp, than model Y

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