When it comes to battery cells, whether they are lithium-ion, solid-state, or sodium-ion, heat is always a byproduct of charging or discharging. While solid-state cells hold promise for being thermally robust and efficient enough to potentially eliminate the need for high-performance cooling systems, this technology has yet to see mass production.
Charging at higher rates generates more heat, making it crucial to keep cells operating within an efficient temperature range for longevity. While some brands boast charging speeds exceeding 300kW, this peak power output is only sustainable for a short period. Optimal cooling systems can enhance the range gained per hour of charging, even at lower peak rates.
Currently, most Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) rely on glycol coolant systems for thermal control. These systems circulate coolant around the battery pack, which is then cooled through radiators. In premium vehicles, a heat pump can scavenge heat from powertrain components to heat the cabin or preheat the battery for faster charging.
One drawback of glycol coolant systems is the limited heat removal capacity due to varying temperatures across cells. An emerging solution involves replacing the coolant with a refrigerant plate to ensure uniform cooling. While challenges exist, such as plate size and cell-to-plate contact, new patents indicate a potential shift towards this technology.
One Chinese OEM has already implemented a refrigerant-based solution, enabling sustained 200kW charging for longer durations compared to other high-performance BEVs. Direct refrigerant cooling is just one of many promising technologies aimed at enhancing BEV user experience by reducing charging times and extending battery life.
Oliver Petschenyk, Powertrain Analyst, GlobalData
This article was originally published on GlobalData’s Automotive Intelligence Center.
