Marelli secures global contract to supply battery thermal solutions for electric vehicles

Marelli has been awarded a significant contract by a major global carmaker to supply Battery Thermal Plates (BTP) for future Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This key technology, crucial for thermal energy management in electric vehicles, has been developed and will be produced in-house by Marelli. Supply is scheduled to begin in 2024, with the contract spanning various vehicle platforms and segments across the Chinese, North American, and European markets, reaching approximately 5 million units over the contract period.

“We are proud of this important assignment, which further strengthens our collaboration with global carmakers on technologies that are key to optimizing thermal energy management of vehicles” said Shuji Kobayashi, President of Marelli’s Green Technology Solutions business. “Through our solid experience and comprehensive portfolio, we support OEMs in achieving the most efficient solutions for electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles, adapting to their specific needs to co-create with our customers their vehicles of tomorrow."

Effective thermal management of the battery is essential to ensure performance and efficiency in fully electric vehicles, where the battery is the only energy source available. Thermal management impacts battery life, vehicle driving range, propulsion system performance, and fast charging capability, and is key to maintaining a comfortable cabin environment. To reach maximum efficiency, the battery must always remain within a specific optimal temperature range under all external temperature conditions (hot/cold), while meeting the needs of the cabin and propulsion systems.

Marelli’s Battery Thermal Plate employs a 'Dot Dimples' design, which guarantees optimized heat exchange. This solution stabilizes the temperature of the battery cells and provides excellent temperature uniformity, thanks to specific paths of the thermal flows. The design allows for an extremely flat product that requires limited space, ensuring easy integration and assembly within the vehicle. The production technologies and materials used for this solution guarantee high durability and quality.

Furthermore, Marelli’s in-house testing laboratories and simulation capabilities enable rapid adaptation of the dimple design technology to meet each customer's specific needs for different types of batteries and geometries. The solution is highly customizable, ranging from small to extra-large sizes.

This project is the result of global development, thanks to Marelli’s worldwide R&D centers, and production will be located in China, Mexico, and Romania. In addition to the Battery Thermal Plate, Marelli offers a complete range of solutions for the control, management, and optimisation of the heat balance of all vehicle systems, leveraging its proven expertise in key heat exchange technologies for different types of propulsion systems.