Environmental concerns have driven the demand for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigerant across the global. The 1234yf product (marketed as HFO-1234yf and R-1234yf) was designed to be a replacement for R134a, and R134a will be phased out entirely by 2021, so you’re likely to see more and more of the 1234yf in use. Several countries have banned R134a entirely, and U.S. regulations are moving in that direction. If you own an auto service shop, you’ve probably seen the increase in a/c systems using 1234yf.
In 2018, nearly 50% of all new models are manufactured to use HFO-1234yf and Honeywell’s June 2018 Auto Refrigerant Update cites that 30 million cars will be using 1234yf by the end of this year. Estimates put GM, BMW, Fiat, Land Rover and Jaguar at over 95% usage for 1234yf (BMW switched over its entire line to the new system in 2018) ; Ford, Honda and Volkswagon over 70%; Toyota, Subura, Hyundai and Kia over 25%; and Nissan, Mercedes, Mazda and Volvo with next to no conversions in their new models.
However, you don’t want to assume that the manufacturers with few models using yf in 2018 will not be going that way in 2019 – in 2018 Refrigerant Depot sent a large contract purchase to one of the manufacturers that currently has 0% of its models using the yf gas. Change is definitely coming, and we’re advising our techs and service shops to get ahead of it if they haven’t already.
Although the systems used for each refrigerant are similar in pipes, hoses, and sealing rings, HFO-1234yf requires additional safety precautions because it is much more flammable. If you’re not working with new RRR machines, or a specialized recovery machine for the 1234yf refrigerant, technicians should take precautions as though working with flammable fuel systems. If you’re wondering what the difference is between the HFO-1234yf and R-1234yf, they are the same product; we sell the the Honeywell HFO-1234yf as either 10 or 25 lb cylinders, and R-1234yf as 8 ounce cans.
Here is a list of 2018 Manufacturers and Models using HFO-1234yf:
- Acura – 0.00% (none currently)
- Audi – 22.20% (A4, Q5)
- BMW – 100.00% (all new models)
- Buick – 50.00% (LaCrosse)
- Chevrolet – 64.70% (Bolt EV, Camaro RS, Colorado LT Diesel, Malibu, Silverado 1500, Spark, Spark EV, Suburban, Tahoe)
- Fiat Crysler Automobiles – 87.50% ( Chrysler 200C, 200S, 300, 300C, Pacifica; all Fiat models; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey; Ram 1500; Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Wrangler)
- Ford – 42.89% (F-150, Focus, Fusion, Fusion Energi, Escape, Fiesta
- Genesis – 66.66% (Hyundai Genesis)
- GMC – 83.33% (All Cadillacs; GMC Acadia, Canyon SLT, Sierra 1500, Yukon XL & Denali)
- Honda – 77.77% (Pilot, Civic, CR-V, Fit EV, Ridgeline)
- Hyundai – 25.00% (Santa Fe)
- Infinity – 0.00% (none currently)
- JLR – 100.00% (all Jaguar and Land Rover models since 2016)
- Kia – 70.00% (Cadenza, Optima, Sportage, Rio)
- Lexus – 11.11% (LS, RCF)
- Lincoln – 40.00% (MKZ)
- Mazda – 0.00% (none currently)
- Mini – 100.00% (all new models)
- Mitsubishi – 50.00% (Mirage)
- Nissan – 0.00% (none currently)
- Ram – 50.00% (2019 Ram 1500,
- Subaru – 28.57% (Legacy, Outback)
- Toyota – 28.57% (Tacoma, Yaris HSD, Prius Plus, GT86)
- Volvo – 0.00% (none currently)
- Volkswagon – 71.42% (Atlas, Beetle, Golf, Passat, Tiguan)
*This list is meant to be a useful guide for our clients, and is not comprehensive by year or model. Always verify each vehicle’s system before servicing.
Call 407-896-9563 if you would like a quote on HFO-1234yf and R-1234yf refrigerants that we carry.