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By how much will running a 200watt thing (ex. small tv) in a vehicle lower the fuel economy?

The alternator will have to work harder, but by how much. Is it comparable to the amount the air conditioner users?

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    well, an alternator induces drag when being used. If you need a high-amperage device to operate, then the alternator will be in Charge mode more than with regular use. It will cause more drag on the engine, and reduce gas mileage. How much? Probably not much, 1-2 mpg at most, but I doubt that high even. Probably less than an A/C unit would drop mileage. A/C units induce mechanical drag more so than the alternator, so you see a bigger drop in gas mileage using A/C. Go ahead and watch TV.....<grin>

  • 1 decade ago

    Will not lower fuel economy. Electrical application in your example is not related to fuel consumption.

  • 1 decade ago

    its negligable , since the alternator is already producing more than enough power to the equipment you already have installed stock in your car . doing that won't have an effect at all

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