United States.
A new EPA standard allows vehicle manufacturers to use the new HFO-1234yf coolant in certain heavy and medium-sized vehicles, as long as they meet certain standards.
The new standard lists HFO-1234yf as acceptable, subject to conditions of use, for limited HD vehicle types, such as medium-duty passenger vehicles, HD vans and vans, and the full chain of HD Vans.
In other words, it allows the use of this coolant in medium and heavy utility vehicles, with a total gross weight of between 8,500 and 14,000 pounds (Classes 2b and 3). It should be remembered that at this time, it only applies to new vehicles built with an air conditioning system designed to use yf.
Specialists rate this decision as positive, because there are only small differences in the size and configuration of air conditioning systems between these vehicles, compared to their smaller counterparts. In fact, many of the bodies and cabs used to build these trucks are the same; it's the chassis, frame and suspension that can really distinguish them.
As an example, what are the main differences between the air conditioning system of a Ford F-150 pickup truck and a Super Duty F-550? For 2013, coolant charge amounts only differ by about 4 ounces, likely due to variations in components or power between engines.
