Heat pumps are a widespread and energy efficient solution for heating houses, offices and, more recently, electric vehicles. They use refrigerants within very low temperatures to absorb heat from the environment and then compress these gases to raise their temperature. In this way, using relatively small amounts of electricity to supply a heat pump, it is possible to extract larger amounts of “free” thermal energy.

Ford’s VIHP patent -patented technology offers greater advantages compared to other heat pumps using steam pumps, which increases efficiency during the heating process and cooling of the interior of a vehicle. When outer temperatures exceed 25 ° C, the built -in pump cooling system has the ability to pump heat from the cabin, thereby reducing energy consumption from the battery required for the operation of the air conditioning system.

For the development of Ford’s innovative heat pump it took about two years. During these years, more than 100 tests were carried out in an aerodynamic tunnel and 25,000 kilometers of evaluation in real conditions. Seven specialized trips for testing were also completed, covering a variety of conditions – from Spain’s traditionally warm climate to severe cold and -34 ° C of Finnish winter. Ford engineers cooperated in the United Kingdom, Germany and the US to implement the whole project.

Maximize autonomy even in the most demanding conditions

The use of the car early in the morning, the delayed girlfriend and the night shifts mean that driving in winter, even at temperatures below zero, may be a common phenomenon for those working in expanded business businesses. Ford patent patents can help electric vehicles travel longer distances between charges, allowing their owners to perform more activities in cold weather.

The Innovative Heat Pump Technology with Vapour-Injected Heat Pump (VIHP) steam infusion is placed standard on e-transit custom, e-tourneo custom models, as well as e-transit in the Ford Pro Pro. Absorption heat from outer air, even at ambient temperatures below -10 ° C.

The heating of the vehicle’s cabin with the commitment of this “free” energy results in a reduction in the energy consumed by the battery in order for passengers to remain warm and comfortable. Thus, the battery maintains more energy stock, better supporting the drive and other car functions.

Ford Pro Heat Pump

During tests both in real conditions and in advanced laboratory environments, Ford engineers have found that this technology can enhance the autonomy of e-transit in the battery version with extensive capacity by 7% to 10% compared to another vehicle that does not have a heat pump.

“For companies using van vehicles, literally every kilometer traveled between refueling translates into less time and more profits. We try to find every kilometer of autonomy to enhance efficiency and make electric fleets more productive and economically viable for hard -working businesses, “said Ingo Krolewski, Supervisor, Climate Attribute and Controls, Ford.