A software update to some Amazon delivery vehicles is automatically turning off the air conditioning after a few seconds if the driver is not in their seat, according to multiple Amazon delivery drivers who are complaining about the update online.
According to Amazon delivery drivers, the new update is for the Amazon EDV (electric delivery vehicle), the custom-built Rivian van. Delivery drivers say that this update automatically turns off the air conditioning in the van if the driver is not in the vehicle for more than 30 seconds. Drivers are complaining about the update as the start of the summer season, which can be particularly difficult and dangerous for delivery drivers.
“As many of you are aware, the EDVs just got a software update where if you are out of your seat for 30 seconds with the side door open, the AC switches off,” one Amazon delivery driver said in an online forum for drivers. “We all hate this obviously.”
The “turning thing on and off Uses more energy than just leaving it on” thing is largely a myth based on a complete misunderstanding of how most electronics work and a lack of understanding of thermodynamics.
Most electronics (even light bulbs) do have an energy spike at power on but the spike is measured in milliseconds (if that).
Yes but there is an external factor involved here: leaving the door open for extended periods of time. If we’re talking about energy saving for the battery, and you can probably extend that to the environmental effects as well, at some point it’s more cost effective to turn the A/C off. I’m not gonna argue if 30 seconds is that point, people who know more can confirm that.
Now obviously what they are NOT taking into account is driver comfort and the fact they are literally being timed down to the second with their deliveries to the point they leave the door open just to shave off a couple of seconds on each stop.