To improve cabin conditioning for hybrid and electric vehicles, Visteon Corp.’s heat pump system transfers energy contained in the ambient air to cool and heat the cabin. Its electric compressor cools the cabin by operating the refrigerant cycle in one direction, and heats the cabin by operating the cycle in the reverse direction. By drawing less power from the lithium-ion battery, vehicles equipped with the heat pump system can operate longer on a single charge. The system consumes about 50% less power and can extend the number of miles driven on a battery charge by 30%, claims Visteon. With the onset of more hybrid and electric vehicles, Visteon has been actively developing heat pump technology for more than a decade in anticipation of its potential demand. The company has a commitment from multiple automakers to purchase its heat pump systems.