Technician Handbook 601 Hybrid Systems for Collision Repair Air Conditioning Hybrid Vehicle A/C systems are similar to those on a conventional vehicle, with a few unique features. Electric A/C Compressor On a hybrid the A/C compressor must be able to operate even when the engine is off, so an electric motor drives the A/C compressor. The motor is driven by high-voltage AC. Most electric compressors house a dedicated inverter that converts high-voltage DC from the battery into high-voltage A/C for the compressor motor. On Gen 2 Prius (2004 -2009), the compressor motor receives its power from a dedicated circuit inside the inverter.
Because the compressor motor is driven by high voltage, the compressor oil must have a high resistance. The electric A/C compressor uses ND-11 compressor oil for its high insulation rating. NOTE Gen 1 Prius (2000-2003) is the only Toyota hybrid vehicle that uses a belt-driven compressor. PTC Heater Because the engine isn’t always operating, the engine coolant in a hybrid may not stay hot enough to heat the cabin. So most hybrids add an electric PTC heater to help keep the cabin warm. 9 Collision Repair & Refinish Training