The Tesla Model 3 Climate System: How Efficient Is It in Summer?
With a glass roof, the Tesla Model 3 can cause concern in the summer. We took advantage of a heatwave to evaluate its air conditioning system.
Technical Reminder: How Air Conditioning Works
In a traditional car, heating does not significantly increase consumption as the heat is recovered from the engine. However, in an electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3, cooling the cabin is more complex and similar to traditional systems.
The compressor, central to the system, compresses the refrigerant gas, which is then heated. This gas is then sent to a condenser at the front of the car to cool and liquefy. After being dehydrated, the gas passes through an expansion valve, lowering the pressure and temperature significantly. It then flows through an evaporator, cooling the air passing through it before circulating into the cabin.
Tesla’s system includes the Octovalve and supermanifold, which manage 15 different cooling and heating modes. During our test, only one mode was used, simplifying the operation for efficiency.
Our Methodology
For our test, we parked the vehicle in direct sunlight until 2 pm, then set the air conditioning to 20°C. We took temperature readings inside and outside the cabin, examining the system’s performance in cooling the cabin effectively.
Multiple sensors were placed inside the car to monitor various temperatures, allowing us to track the performance of the air conditioning system accurately.
Temperature Evolution Inside
During our testing, the air conditioning system in the Tesla Model 3 effectively cooled the cabin, with noticeable temperature drops within the first five minutes of operation. Over the course of an hour, the interior temperature stabilized at a comfortable level despite the external heat.
Real vs. Displayed Temperatures
We noticed discrepancies between the temperature displayed on the Tesla app and the actual temperatures inside the cabin. This disparity was due to a single sensor location in the car, affecting accuracy, especially when the vehicle was exposed to direct sunlight. The system remained precise under more consistent conditions, showing the car’s performance in maintaining set temperatures.
Impact on Energy Consumption
The Tesla Model 3’s air conditioning system consumed approximately 1.5 kWh per hour under summertime conditions. Despite initial power requirements, the system quickly adjusted to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, demonstrating minimal impact on overall energy consumption.
Improving Cabin Comfort
Tesla offers various functions to enhance thermal comfort inside the vehicle, such as the anti-surge feature that activates the ventilation or air conditioning when the cabin temperature exceeds 40°C. This feature is valuable in ensuring a pleasant driving experience, with minimal energy consumption.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model 3’s air conditioning system proved efficient in maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature under harsh summer conditions. While the glass roof may require additional cooling efforts, the system effectively manages energy consumption, showcasing Tesla’s commitment to efficient vehicle design.