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Austrian experts call for more efficient MAC |
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Switching on the air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 28%, according to Austria's leading automotive club. MAC should therefore be included in vehicle testing, the club states.
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2007-07-20
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Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) can be a car's largest additional consumer of fuel, accounting for as much as 4 additional litres per 100 km. This has been proved by the Austrian automotive club ÖAMTC in tests with five car models representing different vehicle classes, types of fuel, and MAC systems. A key finding from these tests: The use of simple, manually operated air conditioning will lead to a 2.5 times higher fuel consumption than more sophisticated electronical systems with fixed and variable temperature regulation.
The ÖAMTC is now calling for an early reformation of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), Europe’s common test procedure for type approval, to include the performance of the passenger cooling system. This, the ÖAMTC expects, will encourage car manufacturers to design and implement energy-efficient air conditioning more quickly. So far, carmakers are not obliged to include the performance of MAC in promotional material at the point of sales. The ÖAMTC is urging lawmakers to mandate the availability of consumption data due to MAC in all advertising material and catalogues.
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Test procedure and results
Based on the NEDC, the vehicles (Ford Fiesta, Opel Vectra, Mazda 6, Audi A4 1,8 T, and Audi A4 2,0 TDI) were tested on city and highway cycles. A radiant heater installed inside the car ensured a constant sun load not influenced by the car's glazing. Results were compared for test cycles without using the air conditioning and with the cooling system switched on.
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The results showed a 20% higher additional fuel consumption for operating a simple MAC in the Ford Fiesta, while the automatic system used in the Audi A4 1,8 T still increased the fuel use by more than 5%. Given these differences in performance, and the fact that now over 90% of all new vehicles in Austria are equipped with MAC, the automotive club recommends to use only efficient systems. It advices, however, to switch on the air conditioning, as a temperature increase from 25°C to 35°C will reduce the driver's concentration level by more than 20%, making accidents more likely.
Background
The ÖAMTC (Österreichischer Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touring Club) is representing the interests of more than 1.65 million Austrian drivers, offering technical assistance, test and training services, as well as legal aid.
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More information:
› ÖAMTC test results (GERMAN)
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