Air con on 2019 corolla hybrid

[Cbatoday]

Just turned the ac on whilst driving in town

I expected the petrol engine to cut in to drive the power steering pump but it didn't 

It must therefore be driven off the cvt gearbox. Anyone know any more...

[Cjohnston1982]

It’s some type of electronic system but I’m  sure someone will be along shortly with a more technical answer.

Just imagine though it were run by the engine it would never switch off especially in really hot climates.

[AndrueC]

It's powered by the Battery. There's nothing particularly clever about that. Most A/C systems around the world are powered by electricity. The only reason most vehicles drive via a belt from the engine is because it's cheaper as there's no need for a dedicated electric pump and since the engine is always running it might as well do a bit more work, especially true at idle.