Air conditioning is vital for the effective operation of the latest electric vehicles and parts specialist febi is providing independent garages with access to repairs to key a/c systems with up to the minute parts in its range. 

A prime example is the febi Decoupling Element for air conditioning compressors as fitted to various Volkswagen, Audi, Cupra & Skoda EV models. The current and future range of electric vehicles from the Volkswagen group are all based on their Modular Electric Drive platform (MEB - Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten). This platform has been used to develop the Volkswagen I.D. family, Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Born models.

Traditionally, in internal combustion engine vehicles, an air conditioning compressor attaches directly to the internal combustion engine block. The engine itself is mounted to the monocoque chassis using various rubber mountings to dampen the vibrations caused by the engine and its ancillaries. 

With the evolution in platform design, producing vehicles without an internal combustion engine provides vehicle manufacturers with new challenges for reducing noise, vibration and harshness characteristics as components such as the air conditioning compressor are still required.

The air conditioning compressor, which is used as an integral part of the thermal management system for the cabin and the battery, is mounted to the vehicle’s front subframe on the MEB platform. As a result, these vehicles use a quiet scroll compressor, which is powered by the high voltage battery. However, when operating, it will vibrate, sending tiny shockwaves through the monocoque chassis.

As part of the expanding range of replacement parts for electric vehicles, two air conditioning compressor mountings have been introduced into the febiPLUS range. These mounting brackets are made from a composite plastic - with three decoupling points - which are used to attach it to the compressor to dampen its vibrations. Over time, these joints will wear - requiring the replacement of this part. 

Decoupling Elements for air conditioning compressor on VW groups EVs are febi 184598 and febi 184599. These are now available from febi stockists nationwide.