Global multi-energy company Total Energies and Valeo have announced that they have signed an agreement to develop an innovative way of cooling electric vehicle batteries using a new, very high-performance dielectric fluid. The two companies claim not only would this innovation improve the way electric vehicles are used, but it would also reduce their carbon footprint.

With current technology, fluids cannot be used to cool the battery from within. Total Energies has developed a new, innovative dielectric coolant that can be in direct contact with battery cells. Valeo will contribute its expertise in the related thermal systems to design and build the best solution to integrate the coolant within the electric vehicle battery pack, thereby optimizing performance by conditioning it at the right temperature.

Research conducted under the agreement will enable Valeo to reduce the weight of the thermal systems used to cool vehicle batteries – greatly improving the overall weight, travel range and carbon footprint of electric vehicles – and improve safety in response to battery fire risk.

To address these needs and respond to other challenges such as comfort and electric powertrain efficiency, Valeo has developed comprehensive, smart, low-carbon thermal management systems adapted to charging intensity and speed. And the collaborative research program with TotalEnergies will enable it to optimize them even further.

“The dielectric fluid developed by Total Energies rounds out our TotalEnergies Quartz EV Fluid range aimed at electric mobility. It is a unique and innovative solution that aims to contribute to the decarbonixation of the electric mobility sector – one of the company’s strategic priorities. What’s more, the technological advantage our product offers in terms of safety, one of our core values, makes it even more unique,” commented Philippe Charleux, Senior Vice President, Lubricants & Specialties at Total Energies. “We are very pleased to be partnering with Valeo, with whom we share the same ambitions of accelerating the development of sustainable mobility solutions and achieving carbon neutrality.”

Francisco Moreno, President of Valeo’s Thermal Systems Business Group, said: “Helping to reduce the impact of mobility is central to Valeo’s strategy. Technologies that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions now account for 60% of Group sales, and Valeo plans to continue expanding its portfolio of solutions that promote low-carbon mobility. This research partnership with Total Energies is an opportunity to create an innovative solution that will further accelerate consumer take-up of electric vehicles.”