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This work is aimed at the experimental characterisation of air quality and thermal profile within an electric vehicle cabin, measuring at the same time the HVAC system energy consumption. Pollutant concentrations in the vehicle cabin are measured by means of a low-cost system of sensors. The effects of the HVAC system configuration, such as fresh-air and recirculation mode, on cabin air quality, are discussed. It is shown that the PM concentrations observed in recirculation mode are lower than those in fresh-air mode, while VOC concentrations are generally higher in recirculation than in fresh-air mode. The energy consumption is compared in different configurations of the HVAC system. The novelty of this work is the combined measurement of important comfort parameters such as air temperature distribution and air quality within the vehicle, together with the real time energy consumption of the HVAC system. A wider concept of comfort is enabled, based on the use of low-cost sensors in the automotive field.

This paper focuses on a sensors system setup for the characterization of the air quality within the cabin of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The concentration of PM2.5 and VOC are measured employing a low-cost Arduino-based system of sensors. Comparisons between the air quality measured in the cabin during different configurations of the air-ventilation system are provided and discussed. The main differences outlined are related to the open air and recirculation configurations. The air temperature distribution, together with various airborne pollutants are monitored and related to the energy consumption of the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A wider concept of comfort is thus explored based on the use of sensors in the automotive scenario.