Heater cores with electric PTC heater strips are typically used in which type of vehicle?

Heater cores with electric Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater strips are commonly used in hybrid vehicles. This is largely due to the specific heating demands of hybrids, which often rely on a combination of electric propulsion and internal combustion engines. Hybrid vehicles frequently operate in a manner that does not allow for engine idling to produce heat during electric-only drive modes, especially in colder conditions.

PTC heaters are advantageous in this scenario because they provide a reliable source of additional heat when the engine is not running. These electric heaters can quickly warm up the cabin by using electrical energy stored in the vehicle’s battery system, allowing for effective heating during short trips where the engine may not have sufficient opportunity to reach operating temperature.

While electric vehicles also utilize PTC heaters, the focus on hybrids in this context emphasizes the need for supplemental heat that aligns with their operational characteristics. Diesel vehicles and conventional gasoline vehicles typically rely on engine heat for cabin heating, which diminishes the relevance of electric PTC heaters in those applications.