Has anyone developed a "work-around" to address this issue? It would be nice for the A/C to run when in EV mode, especially on these 90-degree days where rolling the windows down does not even help. Does this issue still exist with MY 2009?

I believe the FEH/MMH/MTH are the only hybrids that do this. I wonder why Ford did this.

 

There is no work around for this issue other than coming out of EV. In the FEH, the engine turns the A/C compressor (via the Serpentine Belt) and no compressor RPM = no coolant.

In the 2008 model you can turn off the Econ mode to force the FEH out of EV and bring on the cool air. There's probably a similar strategy in the 2006 but others will have to comment on that.

 

I wonder if you could put one of these in the back and run it off the 110v outlet.
Soleus 7000BTU Portable A/C
Features And Specifications:
Programmable 24-hour Auto On/Off Timer
Adjustable Thermostat
Easy-To-Read Multi-Color Display
Programmable Remote Control
3 Speed Fan with Oscillation & Auto Restart
Loss of Power Protection
Auto Mode Chooses the Comfort Settings for you
Model: PE2-07R-62
Cooling Capacity: 7,000 BTU/Hr
Dehumidifying Capacity: 50 pts/day
Power Consumption: 910 W (Cooling)
Air Flow Volume: 285CFM
Power Source: 115 V / 60 HZ
Rated Current: 8.4 A (Cooling)
Sound Pressure Level: <40 db(A)
Weight: 62.8 lbs
Dimensions: 12.98” (W) x 22.17” (D) x 27.78” (H)
Refrigerant: R22
Recommended for rooms up to 200 sq. ft.

Of course we would have to take into consideration the increase in the amount of ICE run time to recharge the battery. It would be interesting to see the FE differences between using one of these units or the ICE A/C unit.

 

The onboard 120V outlet is rated for 150W from memory... that thing pulls 910W. No chance.....

 

Even if the 110 outlet COULD handle the wattage, you'd pull your battery down so fast that the car would run the gas engine to charge the HV battery...you'd then have A/C anyway.

It's a vicious circle.

 

I have posted some questions to the solar pv groups, ecomodders and alternative energy forums in hopes of finding a small a/c unit that can cool a 30 or 40 square foot room/closet. Something that small "may" pull a small enough amount of watts to make it worth it. Anyone know how many BTU's the FEH's a/c is?

 

Ideally I'd think you would be best with a small wine chiller cooler. However these are very expensive.

 

An ideal A/C system for a hybrid would be one with a "dual" drive mode compressor. Use the ICE for drive when it's running anyway but for "other" reasons, and electric otherwise.

In the meantime elctric drive only seems the best compromise.

 

But wouldn't running the A/C with the battery power drain the battery much quicker than it already does just driving in the electric mode?

It seems that Ford deals with it quite well. If you want the A/C on, just hit the ECON button off and your engine will run at the stop light and it will blow hot air.

 

Well...the first hurdle is finding portable 2000 - 5000 BTU self evaporative a/c units.
Then, how many watts they need to run. (7800 BTU units need about 670 Watts)
Next, would it be more efficeint to run tthe electric a/c full time (both EV and ICE) or just during EV, or just during ICE. Will the reduction of the ICE a/c compressor load be more than the electrical load created by running the 110v compressor?

My laymans curriosity has been heated by the heat. lol