Volkswagen goes greener by cooling off customers with CO2-based A/C

By Nick Jaynes March 12, 2013

VW Beetle Convertible — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Volkswagen wants to be both the world’s biggest automaker and also its most sustainable by 2018.

Volkswagen announced at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month that it will pump over two-thirds of its total investment capitol into “the development of efficient technologies, drive systems and vehicles, as well as in environmentally sustainable production.”

First on its list of new, sustainable technologies: vehicle air conditioning systems cooled by carbon dioxide (CO2).

Modern A/C systems have been historically cooled by contained chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are commonly referred to by the DuPont brand name “Freon.” CFCs were a big cause of the hole in the ozone layer and have been phased out in place of other more eco-friendly refrigerants.

Volkswagen wants to take A/C cooling eco-friendliness one step further replacing current refrigerant with a CO2-based refrigerant, called “R744,” across its vehicle lineup.

The benefit of R744 over other refrigerants is that it is naturally occurring. The European Union limits automakers to a Global Warming Potential (GWP) factor of 150. On that scale, R744 clocks in as a rock-bottom “1.”

We’re impressed with the leaps and bounds Volkswagen is making in efficiencies and green technologies. With its recent unveiling of the XL1 hyper-mileage car and now it’s R744 refrigerant, it is plainly clear VW is very serious about achieving its lofty green goals.

Editors' Recommendations

DieselGate continues to haunt Volkswagen as massive class-action suit is filed

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.