Which refrigerant has been approved for automobile applications as an alternative to R-134a?

The refrigerant that has been approved for automobile applications as an alternative to R-134a is R-1234yf. This refrigerant is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that has gained popularity due to its lower global warming potential compared to traditional refrigerants. It is designed specifically to meet the environmental requirements for automotive air conditioning systems.

R-1234yf provides effective cooling performance while being more environmentally friendly, thus aligning with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has been widely adopted by many automobile manufacturers as they transition away from R-134a, which is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that has a higher global warming potential.

In contrast, R-152A, R-410A, and R-32 are not suitable replacements for R-134a in automotive applications due to either their physical properties, safety concerns, or lack of regulatory approval for use in vehicles. R-410A and R-32 are primarily used in residential and commercial refrigerant systems, lacking the compliance and specifications required for automotive systems. This highlights the unique suitability of R-1234yf within the context of automotive refrigerants.