Aftermarket September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 57 www.aftermarketonline.net doing more than you are used to. Take air conditioning as an example, as DENSO AM A/C Product Specialist Richard Groot explained: “If the A/C system in a normal car fails, you can still drive, but if it fails in an electric vehicle it won’t run, as the battery temperature is no longer controlled. The A/C system is therefore an integral element in the vehicle’s correct operating parameters and must be maintained accordingly, this includes the compressor, which in these vehicles is electrically driven and so defined as an eCompressor.” On how garages should approach these systems, Nissens Marketing Manager Jan Zieleskiewicz observed: “Many EVs and hybrids rely on a heat pump solution, which is an advanced system compared to a standard A/C loop. Unlike the A/C in a conventional vehicle, the heat pump-based system is capable of both heating and cooling. It also manages the temperature of the vehicle's electric motor, battery pack and power electronics. In fact, the system functions as the vehicle's thermal management system and helps the car conserve battery life and extend its total range. “The heat pump is a very energy-efficient thermal solution as it ensures optimal heating and cooling performance, but is not as demanding on the vehicle's battery because fewer PTC heaters are needed to reach the same comfort level. “The heat pump incorporates more and different parts, and many of which would be mechanical in a conventional vehicle are fully electric in NEVs. For example, a high- voltage, fully electric A/C compressor is required to keep the system fully functional, even when the vehicle is not running. Furthermore, several electronic valves govern the various directional flows inside the loop. Other parts include more heat exchangers, such as the cabin heat condenser or the so-called chiller, a water- cooler heat exchanger. These additional components add another level of complexity to the system’s maintenance.” Jan added: “EVs and hybrids are becoming more commonplace in the aftermarket, so the ability of the independent sector to troubleshoot and fix their climate control systems and carry out routine maintenance will be vital for its future viability.” For more information, visit: www.nissens.com/experts tc V r el E E S hecri dnaeci V ? leci apeR s ir AIRP E C I T C A R P F O E D O C Y R T S U D N I R O T O O M T C SERVICE AND RE en EV s uoy poel etartsno oni itulo psd i tne V wee ntare e e ar Her EV D meD V R E Pr neG E 1 5 4 3 2 ed edit cr o be ac asons t er ee wvsiuclxh eti e wgdelwonr k ca u ow yos hremots r cuuoo y t musnoe cldn u ha oy yae wht se devlosernugingomorfsetu nuto r opp e enu r d ns adea l EV £19+ om fr or Ombuds t The Mo o t stne VE dns aranib cenellcex e e ih stnlaipmor ce seiti EV Enjo * T per month less than f these y all o V man: A a r ege ra id EV te i V L kaM E 7 6 l tavorppf a p omatd sesingoce o h d tettimmoe cr’uot yha t tne or Om t TheMo aid mont p cludes x*E llaftooviro d sdradnath sg i e f /joi gor budsman. t Debit ec hly on Dir tion a edit cr or single Code ac T / f A V n The aftermarket needs to be able to support EV servicing if it is to secure a long-term future ” Right: Electric high voltage AC compressors from Nissens