MIT-WPU Develops Passive Cooling System for EV Batteries

Researchers at MIT World Peace University in Pune have created a passive hybrid cooling system designed to prevent overheating in electric vehicle batteries, a development that comes as India grapples with growing concerns about EV safety and thermal incidents.

The patented system, developed by Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, and Dr. Vaidehi Deshmukh, combines heat pipes with an engineered nanofluid to manage battery temperatures without requiring pumps, fans, or additional electrical power. The technology operates through natural convection and phase-change processes, distinguishing it from conventional cooling approaches that rely on forced air or liquid circulation.

According to the research team, the system addresses challenges specific to India's high ambient temperatures and expanding EV market. The nanofluid contains thermally conductive nanoparticles and low-boiling-point liquids designed to extract heat rapidly from battery hotspots.

"In an environment such as India's—with high ambient temperatures and rapidly growing EV usage, the challenge isn't just about performance, it is about safety first," Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh stated. The passive design aims to maintain battery packs within safe thermal limits while reducing energy overhead.

The innovation enters a market experiencing significant growth. Global projections estimate the battery thermal management systems market will expand from approximately $5.41 billion in 2024 to around $29.09 billion by 2030. In India specifically, the EV-battery cooling systems segment is forecast to grow from about $138 million in 2025 to nearly $470 million by 2034.

India's EV penetration reached approximately 7.8% in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with two-wheelers and three-wheelers leading adoption. However, thermal runaway and insufficient cooling have been identified as contributing factors to fire-related incidents, particularly in these vehicle categories.

The MIT-WPU team positioned their technology as especially relevant for two-wheeler EVs, citing potential benefits in maintenance costs and long-term battery performance. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan noted the aim was to create a solution without active mechanical components that could fail or consume additional energy.

The system has been granted an Indian patent under the title "System for Thermal Management of Battery of Vehicle" (Patent No. 202121029238).