The advantages of liquid cooling in commercial vehicles

Imagine this: you're stuck in hot city traffic, inching forward as the thermometer climbs to a scorching 53°C (127°F). But you're not worried. Why? Because you're behind the wheel of a next-generation commercial EV equipped with a secret weapon: liquid cooling. 

EVs are different from ICE - the heart of the vehicle is different and needs different care. In a country like India, where the mercury often soars to unprecedented heights, the need for advanced cooling technology in EVs becomes not just important, but crucial. Since May 2024, India has experienced one of its most severe heatwaves, the hottest summer in 120 years. In such harsh conditions, traditional cooling methods fall short, underlining the transformative potential of liquid cooling systems for optimizing EV battery performance.

Lithium Plating

One of the most significant challenges faced by the EV industry is lithium plating, which is exacerbated by high temperatures. Lithium plating occurs when lithium ions deposit on the anode surface during charging, instead of intercalating into the anode material. This not only reduces battery capacity but also increases the risk of short circuits and potential thermal runaway. 

Liquid cooling emerges as a potent defense against lithium plating. By maintaining batteries at an optimal temperature, liquid cooling systems prevent the conditions that lead to lithium deposition, thereby safeguarding battery integrity and preserving efficiency. This consistent performance is crucial for commercial EVs in India, which often operate in demanding stop-and-go traffic conditions and cover long distances for deliveries.

Broader Benefits of Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling is a technology that can transform the efficiency and reliability of commercial electric vehicles, especially in regions with extreme temperatures.

Liquid cooling systems offer several advantages over traditional air cooling methods. Air cooling is often insufficient in extreme temperatures, leading to uneven temperature distribution and hotspots within the battery pack. In contrast, liquid cooling provides a more uniform temperature control, ensuring that all parts of the battery remain within the optimal temperature range. 

This uniformity not only enhances battery performance but also significantly mitigates long-term damage. By preventing overheating and thermal degradation, liquid cooling helps maintain the battery’s health over its lifespan, even in the most challenging conditions.

Economic Advantages

Investing in liquid cooling technology brings substantial economic benefits. One of the most compelling is the reduction in operational costs. By prolonging battery life and minimizing the need for replacements, liquid cooling systems enhance the overall profitability for commercial EV fleets. This is particularly important in the commercial sector, where downtime and maintenance costs can significantly impact the bottom line.

Moreover, the improved efficiency and reliability offered by liquid cooling translate into better performance and customer satisfaction. Fleet operators can have confidence that their vehicles will perform optimally on every journey, regardless of the external temperature.

Conclusion

Liquid-cooled EVs represent a significant advancement in the electric mobility landscape. For fleet operators, this technology ensures exceptional performance and reliability, even in extreme conditions. Embracing liquid cooling is essential for businesses looking to maximize efficiency, longevity, and sustainability in their commercial EV fleets.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the adoption of advanced cooling technologies like liquid cooling will be a key factor in the success of electric vehicles. By prioritizing the heart of the vehicle – the battery – we can ensure that EVs not only meet but exceed the demands of modern transportation. 

Poorvak Kapoor is Vice President, Vehicle Technology, Euler Motors. Views expressed are his own.