Consensus building on refrigerant type

The hydrofluoro-olefin refrigerant HFO-1234yf has emerged as Europe's favored R-134a replacement, but some prefer R-744.

The refrigerant HFO-1234yf has risen to the No. 1 position as Europe's favored option to replace R-134a, which comes under a phase-out mandate beginning January 1, 2011. The replacement has a low global-warming impact, and possesses properties similar to those of R-134a.

European favor for HFO-1234yf was made clear at a recent meeting of an ad hoc OEM HFO-1234yf group of 40 brands that have 69% of the European car market. Arranged by SAE International, the meeting was held June 10-12 in Phoenix and was immediately followed by a U.S. EPA program on the same topic. Members of VDA (German automakers association) are not members, and they could face a difficult go-it-alone approach with their preferred alternative, the carbon-dioxide refrigerant R-744.