Castrol has launched a new ‘direct’ battery e-thermal fluid that will allow future generations of EVs to be charged more rapidly, and offer increased performance, protection and sustainability.
Almost all of today’s EVs feature batteries using water / glycol-based coolants contained within a ‘jacket’ that surrounds the battery module. In line with technology demands of the future, the new Castrol ON e-thermal fluid is an innovative dielectric fluid formulated specifically for ‘direct’ cooling, where the fluid circulates within the module and in direct contact with individual battery cells. The result is a significant improvement in thermal management in all operating conditions, at high and low ambient temperatures, for a longer battery life.
The use of Castrol ON e-thermal fluid allows EV batteries to be charged more rapidly. For example, when compared against existing water / glycol fluids in an independently conducted modelling study with the same variables, Castrol ON e-thermal fluid allowed for 41% faster charging.
The new Castrol ON e-thermal fluid also ensures potential technical problems within the battery module can be better managed. Temperature spikes within individual cells are less likely, and if they occur, they can be quenched at source – unlike coolants used in indirect cooled systems.
A further benefit of the new Castrol product comes from how it behaves within an EV’s coolant circulatory system. It is of a lower viscosity than existing dielectric transformer oils and so delivers reduced pumping losses, optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of the temperature management process.
The Castrol ON e-thermal fluid is part of a family of Castrol ON products, which include Castrol ON e-Transmission fluids and Castrol ON e-Greases.
For further information, please contact Castrol at evfluids@castrol.com.
