Which vehicles use R-1234yf?
R-1234yf is a new refrigerant that is being increasingly used in vehicles as a replacement for the older R-134a refrigerant. R-1234yf has a lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-134a, making it a more environmentally-friendly option for automotive air conditioning systems.
What is R-1234yf?
R-1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant that was developed as a replacement for the older R-134a refrigerant, which has a high global warming potential (GWP) of 1,430. R-1234yf has a much lower GWP of just 4, making it a more environmentally-friendly choice for automotive air conditioning systems.
Vehicles Using R-1234yf
R-1234yf is being increasingly adopted by automakers as the new standard refrigerant for vehicle air conditioning systems. Many new car models, particularly those introduced in the last several years, now use R-1234yf instead of the older R-134a refrigerant.
- Major automakers that have adopted R-1234yf include Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz).
- R-1234yf is now required in all new vehicles sold in the European Union starting in 2017, and is also being adopted in other regions like the United States.
- Some examples of vehicle models using R-1234yf include the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
As automakers continue to phase out the use of R-134a in favor of the more environmentally-friendly R-1234yf, we can expect to see this new refrigerant become the standard in the majority of new vehicles going forward.
Benefits of R-1234yf
The primary benefit of R-1234yf is its significantly lower global warming potential compared to R-134a. This makes it a more sustainable choice for automotive air conditioning systems. Additionally, R-1234yf is chemically similar to R-134a, allowing it to be used as a direct replacement without major system modifications.
- R-1234yf has a GWP of just 4, compared to 1,430 for R-134a.
- R-1234yf is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it a safer refrigerant option.
- The transition to R-1234yf helps automakers meet stricter environmental regulations on refrigerant emissions.
As the automotive industry continues to prioritize sustainability and emissions reduction, the adoption of R-1234yf refrigerant is expected to become even more widespread in the coming years.
What are the disadvantages of R-1234yf?
Higher Cost: One of the major drawbacks of R1234YF is its higher price. While R134a costs around $5 per pound, the new refrigerant costs approximately 10 times more. Considering that the average vehicle uses about one to one and a half pounds, the overall cost for a recharge can be significant.
Why is R134a being banned?
Why Is R-134A Being Phased Out? When Is the Phaseout Expected to Conclude? Like a lot of '90s relics, R-134A has not aged well. It was known then that 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane could potentially contribute to acid rain and that its ozone layer depletion potential was high.
What happens if you put R-134a to R-1234yf?
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
What is the life expectancy of R1234yf?
11 days
R1234yf has an atmospheric life of 11 days compared to a 13 year lifespan for R134a. R1234yf compares in efficiency to R134a and has the same cooling capacity. Vehicles using R1234yf are expected to use less fuel and produce 20-30% less CO2 which means a significantly reduced carbon footprint. R1234yf is safe to use.
What would happens if I put R134a in a R1234yf system?
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
What year did cars go to 1234yf?
2013
General Motors began introducing vehicles to the market utilizing this new system in 2013 with full conversion in 2018. Chrysler, Honda, and Subaru models followed in 2017. It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF. Don't fret, however, if your current vehicle requires 134a.
Is it illegal to put 134a in a 1234yf system?
The refrigerant R134a in an automobile air-conditioning system provided for R1234yf is considered an illegal substance according to Directive 2006/40/EC. This is punishable by a fine and in particularly blatant cases even by imprisonment.
What would happens if I put R-134a in a R-1234yf system?
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
What vehicles have R-1234yf refrigerant?
Current list of OEMs that use R-1234yf refrigerant
- BMW i3 Electric.
- Cadillac XTS.
- Chevrolet Malibu, Spark EV, Trax.
- Chrysler 200C, 200S, 300, 300C.
- Citroën C4, Elysëe.
- Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart, Ram 1500.
- Fiat 500.
- Ford Transit.
What year is 1234yf mandatory?
2021
During the past four years, R-1234yf has been adopted by automakers before the 2021 mandate. Many vehicles with R-1234yf are now out of warranty. Sooner or later, one of your customers will bring one to your shop. Don't worry, R-12 and R-134a will not be phased out, but they will be regulated and taxed heavily.
