With the EU looking to impose PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) related regulations, the default automotive refrigerant of R1234yf could be on the chopping block. Whilst Europe is likely to be where this starts, as with the transition from R134a, other regions are likely to follow.
R1234yf satisfied the global warming potential (GWP) concerns, but is a PFAS-based material and converts to TFAs (trifluoroacetic acids) in the atmosphere, which are another material of increasing concern. Next generation refrigerants will need to be low GWP, and PFAS-free, meet the performance and efficiency goals of EVs (as a growing portion of the market), and be cost competitive.
This webinar by IDTechEx VP Research Dr James Edmondson will be based on the latest report on
Thermal Management for Electric Vehicles 2026-2036. It will cover the reasons alternative refrigerants are needed, the pros and cons of the alternative options, and an outlook for the future.
The webinar agenda will be:
• How automotive refrigerants have changed
• Why alternatives to the current R134a and R1234yf are needed
• Natural refrigerant options: R744 (CO2) and R290 (propane)
• Alternative refrigerant blend developments
• An outlook for future adoption