Electrical Loads for '14 Cruze diesel

[gone-ot]

Attached is INL article presenting 'measured' electrical loads for 2014 Cruze diesel:

https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/fi...easurement.pdf

[Frank Lee]

Don't want heated seats and e-power steering anyway. Crank windows FTW.

Is there a similar study for Cruze gassers?

[Daschicken]

Huh, didn't realize the fans actually drew different amounts of power on different speed settings. I thought they just controlled the speed with huge resistors. Is this a recent thing, or should my accord be the same way as well?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Daschicken

Huh, didn't realize the fans actually drew different amounts of power on different speed settings. I thought they just controlled the speed with huge resistors. Is this a recent thing, or should my accord be the same way as well?

Yeah, these must be PWM fans or something because every car I've driven draws a ton of power regardless of fan setting. The difference between low and high is usually pretty insignificant.

The rest of the data lines up with my measurements of the Acura TSX and Prius.

The lighting power requirements can be vastly reduced with LEDs. Seat heaters are the most efficient way to keep warm, short of just dressing warmer. Just running the fans usually consumes more power.

The power steering doesn't run continuously does it? Seems like electric PS would operate as needed, rather than an engine driven pump.

My Prius has an electric pump for the brake boost, and it runs after every few presses of the pedal, as needed.

[MeteorGray]

Quote: "The power steering doesn't run continuously does it? Seems like electric PS would operate as needed, rather than an engine driven pump."

I think you're right, as hinted at by the system load data, rounded:

Engine Off, Accessories Off = 116 Watts
Engine Idling, Accessories Off = 256 Watts
Power Steering Rated Load = 246 Watts

So, when the engine is running and the electric power steering is not actually assisting in turning the wheels to steer, the electric power steering is, at most, using only some fraction of its full draw, perhaps as much as half but certainly nowhere near its full load demand.

I believe the electric steering is considered a net energy saving device compared with hydraulic power steering with its pulley, pump, etc.

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Don't want heated seats and e-power steering anyway. Crank windows FTW.

Is there a similar study for Cruze gassers?

Not a Cruze, but here's info for GDI 2014 Mazda 3:

https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/fi...easurement.pdf