Thor Forums

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

Yes, electric air conditioning is not only possible, it’s done all the time on electric vehicles and many hybrids. If you look at the upcoming hybrid F-150 specifications, Ford mentions high voltage electric air conditioner compressor so it can cool when engine is not running.

Regarding a second alternator, Ford already started offering dual alternators as an option in E-Series with the new 7.3L V8, and also in Transit vans with optional EcoBoost 3.5L V6. In these two examples they keep the standard belt-driven A/C compressor.

Longer term, I have little doubt that to electrify van and or motorhome chassis to serve for RV applications more effectively, that the electrical system (alternator) must be upgraded to at least 48-Volts in order to better power air conditioners, microwaves, etc. It’s all moving in that direction but not fast enough for my taste. Many companies are holding on to 12-Volt systems because it’s presently more common and cheaper, but 48V is slowly being adopted.

I recently read that the common aftermarket second alternator supplier plans to release a 48V alternator kit. Between that and 48V (nominal) batteries, we should see faster adoption of 48V in lieu of 12V.

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All that really means is a ton more posts on here about "how many 6-V or 12-V and in series or parallel do I need to get my 48V system right??"