What year did 1234yf come out?
HFO-1234yf, the low-GWP refrigerant used in automotive air conditioning as a replacement for R-134a, first appeared commercially in 2013, with broader adoption in the following years as automakers shifted to environmentally friendlier systems.
Background
1234yf (also known as HFO-1234yf) is a hydrofluoroolefin designed to replace R-134a in car A/C systems. It has a very low global warming potential (GWP around 4) but is mildly flammable (classified as A2L). Its introduction was driven by global environmental regulations aimed at reducing HFC emissions in the automotive sector.
Release timeline
Development and early approvals
To understand when 1234yf came to market, it helps to trace its development and regulatory steps. The refrigerant was developed in the late 2000s by industry leaders including Honeywell and DuPont (now Chemours) as a low-GWP alternative to R-134a. Regulatory work in key markets followed in the early 2010s, paving the way for automotive use.
Milestones leading to market release include the refinement of manufacturing processes, compatibility with automotive A/C components, and regulatory clearances that allowed new-car designs to adopt the refrigerant while meeting environmental targets.
- Late 2000s to early 2010s: Development and testing by Honeywell and DuPont/Chemours.
- Early 2010s: Regulatory approvals and labeling to support use in automotive A/C systems.
- 2013: First commercial availability of 1234yf-based refrigerant products and related equipment.
- 2014–2015: Wider adoption as automakers rolled out models using 1234yf in new car A/C systems.
The milestones above reflect how regulatory and industry standards aligned to enable a transition from R-134a to a lower-GWP alternative in modern vehicles.
Market introduction
Following its initial release, the adoption of 1234yf varied by region and model year. The 2014 model year saw substantial introduction of 1234yf-equipped A/C systems in many markets, with broader global rollout throughout the mid-2010s as suppliers and automakers scaled up production and service infrastructure.
- 2013: First commercial products and initial integration into automotive A/C systems.
- 2014–2015: Broad adoption across major automakers and regions (Europe, North America, parts of Asia).
- 2016 onward: 1234yf becomes the standard refrigerant in a growing share of new passenger cars in many markets, subject to regional regulatory and fleet variations.
Adoption timelines can vary by country and model, with some older fleets and niche markets continuing to use R-134a for a time before complete transition.
Summary
In short, 1234yf entered the market in 2013, with its use in new automotive A/C systems expanding in the 2014–2015 period and continuing to grow in the following years. Its development and regulatory pathway were driven by the automotive industry's push toward lower-GWP refrigerants under evolving environmental rules, making 1234yf the common choice for many new vehicles worldwide.
