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Balancing heat and cold for improved cruising range in electric vehicles

MAHLE Powertrain Ltd News and PR from MAHLE Powertrain Ltd - Published 30 August 2017 E-mobility will be a key component of CO2-neutral individual transportation over the long term. MAHLE aims to be one of the innovation drivers in this field too.
At this yearÂ’s IAA Cars in Frankfurt, MAHLE will be illustrating its holistic approach to innovative thermal management and presenting the appropriate product solutions. MAHLE Thermal Management will also be available to experience in the 48-volt concept vehicle MEET.

◾MAHLEÂ’s thermal management technology paves the way for electric mobility

◾Cruising range of electric vehicles increased by up to 20 percent thanks to MAHLE solutions

◾Thermal management thus influences decisive acceptance factors for e-mobility

◾Presentation of the holistic approach at IAA 2017

◾Refined thermal management approach in the “MEET” (MAHLE Efficient Electric Transport), the 48-volt vehicle concept from MAHLE

What was simple cooling is now complex thermal management

Until a few years ago, the most urgent task in engine cooling was to protect the engine block against overheating, especially under high loads. Since then, the demands placed on consumption, emissions, and passenger comfort have changed, and the electrification of the powertrain has continued to advance. As a result, the cooling of the powertrain is transforming more and more into complex thermal management.

Critical heat sources are no longer available—MAHLE has the solutions

At first glance, the step to a purely electric powertrain seems to simplify thermal management. Although the number of circuits is reduced, the powertrain loses its most important heat source, the combustion engine. Particularly in winter, this is a challenge for interior temperature control, which relates to comfort and safety. In a first step, a high-voltage heater from MAHLE installed on the air side or the coolant side can ensure passenger comfort without great effort. This comes at a cost for the cruising range, however, as in both cases the battery is loaded at 100 percent. If the low yet present waste heat from the electric motor and power electronics is used in conjunction with a coolant/coolant heat pump from MAHLE, the cruising range (at 0°C) can be increased by up to 20 percent in comparison.

Fast charging—crucial for acceptance of electric mobility

Modern electric mobility will only find widespread acceptance when significantly shorter charging times for the electric energy storage can be achieved, which are currently still quite long. MAHLE already offers high-performance components that make fast charging possible.

For further information, contact:

MAHLE GmbH
Dr. René Lehnert
Corporate Communications
Pragstraße 26–46
70376 Stuttgart
Germany

Phone: +49 711 501-40304
Fax: +49 711 501-13700

[email protected]
Related Downloadable pdf's
MAHLEÂ’s thermal management technology paves the way for electric mobility

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