Adopting a holistic approach to thermal management of electric vehicles

As the EV propulsion technology matures to support the demand for improved range and performance, the need for maximizing the efficiency of the responsible auxiliary systems in EVs has become the focal point of the development. Holistic thermal management strategies are not only effective but can have a significant impact in lowering HVAC system cost.

Relentless urban development and industrial progress in most regions of the world have come with a heavy price tag of environmental pollution. New data from the World Health Organization included in a May 2018 press release shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Updated estimations reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. Globally a stark realization has already set in about the far-reaching and potentially catastrophic socioeconomic implications of environmental pollution, resulting in an unprecedented call for dialogue and action. The historic ‘Paris Climate Agreement’ has shaped automotive regulations and policy changes in major global automotive markets since the signing. Several countries across the world have already announced their intention to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and in some cases timelines for the ban have also been announced. The automotive industry has been compelled to constantly scale up research and development (R&D) investments to ensure regulatory conformation of ICE vehicles, and the diminishing return on investment will render it an unviable proposition after a point; this is expected to be the tipping point for a global propulsion system transition. The electric vehicle (EV) technology, which includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), has been thrust into the forefront as a viable alternative. The industry has been forging ahead on several advancements in this sphere to make the transition as seamless as possible. The scenario is still extremely fluid and the industry is hedging its bets by continuing to explore all technology options.