HVAC, short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (Dutch: verwarming, ventilatie en luchtconditionering), plays a major role in the comfort and well‑being of drivers and passengers. Within the HVAC system is the ventilation system, where warm and cold air from the heater and air conditioning come together in the heater housing. These carefully controlled airflows are then directed to the air vents, resulting in a pleasant interior temperature and air quality tailored to the occupants’ personal preferences. All in all, HVAC systems contribute to a comfortable driving experience, regardless of the weather conditions outside.
In electric vehicles, instead of an air conditioner, a heat pump is increasingly used for both cooling and heating of the interior as well as of the components in the HV system (battery pack, inverter, electric motor and on‑board charger). The heat pump can function both as an air conditioner and as a heater, and uses significantly less energy than conventional heating systems with glow plugs.