Aug. 9, 2010: GM to Offer HFO Refrigerant in Its Vehicles in the U.S.
WARREN, Mich. - General Motors Co. (GM) announced that it will offer a new air conditioning refrigerant - HFO-1234yf - in 2013 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac models in the United States.
GM said the biggest benefit of HFO-1234yf, supplied by Honeywell, is that it breaks down faster in the atmosphere than the refrigerant currently used - R-134a. On average, R-134a refrigerant has an atmospheric life of more than 13 years, giving it a global warming potential (GWP) of over 1,400, said the company. By comparison, HFO-1234yf is said to linger in the atmosphere for just 11 days and has a GWP of 4, a 99.7 percent improvement.
“GM’s decision to adopt this new refrigerant is additional proof of our commitment to be on the forefront of green technologies that will keep our planet healthy for our children and grandchildren,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about environmental leadership and GM plans to lead in developing new technologies that will take the vehicle out of the environmental debate.”
Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products, said, “We’re pleased that GM is taking the lead in choosing HFO-1234yf, a refrigerant that has a lower impact on global warming. This is another example of how Honeywell is developing innovative new environmental and energy-efficient solutions to meet our customers’ current and future needs.”
Publication date: 08/09/2010
GM said the biggest benefit of HFO-1234yf, supplied by Honeywell, is that it breaks down faster in the atmosphere than the refrigerant currently used - R-134a. On average, R-134a refrigerant has an atmospheric life of more than 13 years, giving it a global warming potential (GWP) of over 1,400, said the company. By comparison, HFO-1234yf is said to linger in the atmosphere for just 11 days and has a GWP of 4, a 99.7 percent improvement.
“GM’s decision to adopt this new refrigerant is additional proof of our commitment to be on the forefront of green technologies that will keep our planet healthy for our children and grandchildren,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about environmental leadership and GM plans to lead in developing new technologies that will take the vehicle out of the environmental debate.”
Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products, said, “We’re pleased that GM is taking the lead in choosing HFO-1234yf, a refrigerant that has a lower impact on global warming. This is another example of how Honeywell is developing innovative new environmental and energy-efficient solutions to meet our customers’ current and future needs.”
Publication date: 08/09/2010
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