AC or Open Windows?

[CameraCarl]

With summer approaching, and being a new EV owner, I've been wondering if anyone has evaluated whether it is better to drive the Mach-E with windows down or run the AC. I apologize if there has been discussion in the past, but I couldn't find it doing a search. The internet has lots of conventional "wisdom" based on ICE vehicles, but with EVs and modern electrical AC systems replacing belt driven compressors, I was wondering what the most efficient way ought to be to take road trips in my Mach-E.

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[RickMachE]

The most efficient way to drive on the highway is with AC on and windows closed. The AC uses little juice as compared tot he heater.

 

[joes723]

Never windows open because one word; drag. You’ll significantly decrease your efficiency with the windows down versus AC. Many many tests from numerous different sources say it will decrease your efficiency by as much as 20% with the windows down.

 

[AtomicInternet]

AC on highway, but I crack my windows instead of AC when under 40mph (around town). Usually 1/4 down both sides and I'm good up to 80 degrees.

 

[ShaggySS]

Yep, like people above have said. At home, when I run my AC, my electricity bill goes up, but so one would assume AC is an electricity hog. I recall sitting in my car the first year of ownership in 100+ degree weather, waiting for my daughter's soccer game to start, and after a full hour at 68 degrees while sitting in the direct sunlight, I burned through 1% of the battery.

 

[Jerrytball]

The only time I’ve seen high usage of the battery was yesterday when it was 90°. For about the first 10 miles it was using 11% but after it cooled down the car, running the air conditioner at 72, It was about 2% of the use. If
I’ve been driving for more than a half hour at 72°. The passenger sometimes wants to shut the vents because it’s too cold, so I just turn it to 75° or 76 no need to waste energy, i’m still comfortable. It’s just like at home, at my house. I keep it on 78. It’s comfortable in here compared to 90° outside, my son has to keep it at 65 in his house. I just think that’s just the waste of money. Gotta run out to the car and get my hoodie lol.

 

[HuntingPudel]

AC on highway, but I crack my windows instead of AC when under 40mph (around town). Usually 1/4 down both sides and I'm good up to 80 degrees.

I pretty much do the same. ??

 

[CameraCarl]

Thanks for all for your prompt assistance. It is always a pleasure getting advice here. Everyone is helpful.

 

[Jerrytball]

Driving right now with it 81° out. I’m kind of trying to figure out why it’s using all this percentages and for what all I have on is the radio a USB Drive plugged in that’s it air conditioner on 75.

bottom picture is when Wife wasn’t feeling good. I had to let her sit out in the car while I finished shopping and let the car run. It really uses up the energy sitting there.

 

[kdonnel]

I don't try to manage my efficiency.

I want to be comfortable when driving. If I am hot I turn down the AC. If I am cold I turn up the heat.

For my daily driving it might mean the difference between ending the day with 200 miles of range left on the GOM or 210 miles of range left.

If I want to go fast I go fast. If I want to go slow I go slow.

For trips I know I am going to be DCFC so trying to eek out a tiny bit of extra efficiency by being uncomfortable makes no sense to me.

 

[Deleted member 19354]

The most efficient way to drive on the highway is with AC on and windows closed. The AC uses little juice as compared tot he heater.

This I didn’t know! Bring on the summer. Within the city I like my window open so I’m guessing regen will help some if any loss. Thanks for your input!

 

[HuntingPudel]

I don't try to manage my efficiency.
<SNIP>
If I want to go fast I go fast. If I want to go slow I go slow.
<SNIP>

I mostly don’t try to manage efficiency. It’s just habit to roll the windows down at lower speeds. No A/C in the K/5 or in the T/A. Blazer didn’t come with it (although I have most of the parts to retrofit it). Ripped it out of the T/A since it’s a lot of extra weight up front (and it’s got too much cam for the compressor). ??

I don’t much go fast in the MME, but I do a lot of quick acceleration in it. My efficiency probably looks like heck if I was monitoring it. ??

 

[doogie63]

Window down means pollen in car. Too much pollen around here to roll my windows down.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Windows up above 35 MPH.

 

[ARK]

For ICEs, I've read that at slow speeds whether your window is open a bit or the a/c is on low has about the same impact. On EVs, I would think that since the vehicles are engineered to be much more aerodynamic, the penalty from opening the windows would be greater leading me to think the a/c is probably usually better.

That being said, I think the Mach-E has a really great window design - if you open all four completely, the noise is actually not so great. I know this would be bad for efficiency, but between the giant panoramic roof and all four windows being down, it almost feels close to a convertible on nice days.

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