Hi ET:

___600 + W off an Insight’s 12V circuit? Even if the 12V accessory outlet could handle 50A (it cannot by a long shot) with a 120V inverter on the output, at upwards of 600 W you would be in a forced charge situation off the Insight’s pack soon enough. A flying start - 100 + mpg segment would probably be destroyed within 20 miles. The second item is ducting the A/C condensers heat out of the car? Leave a window open and get 100 + mpg or use the many tips and tricks for staying cool without A/C would be the best bet. An ice vest is probably be the most cost effective alternative but I have not used one other then for work related activities.

___A much smaller 100 W unit might be enough for some direct cooling possibly but the current draw would be a real SOB for that as well? IIRC, the average automobile uses ~ 3 HP to power the A/C. Electric A/C should be a bit more efficient but with the smaller ICE’s in the hybrid’s, you still lose upwards of 40% of your FE at MAX A/C (a hybrid w/ a hypermiler behind the wheel) or 25 - 30% for a normal hybrid driver (CR’s study a few years back IIRC?) when running A/C and this includes the Prius II with its all electric A/C unit!

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net