In some hybrid cars,running in economy mode means the A/C turns off when the car engine does. So,some people are opting out of economy mode,which can defeat much of the cost and environmental savings of the vehicle. But fear not,geography to the rescue!
Ricardo’s [automotive engineering firm in Shoreham-by-Sea,West Sussex,UK] system uses GPS to plot the car’s position on a digital map that includes the location of traffic lights and junctions to anticipate when the engine,and the aircon,is likely to switch itself off. It then produces extra cool air to reduce the cabin temperature by a further 1.5 °C –not enough to make the passengers shiver,but enough to tide the vehicle over while it is stationary.
Using the system decreased fuel consumption by 9%.