New battery housing from MAHLE reduces weight, carbon dioxide footprint of electric vehicles

To implement the required high cooling performance during the rapid charging process, the battery cells are surrounded by dielectric fluid as part of the MAHLE battery housing concept. The fiber-reinforced plastic design is not only lightweight, but also extremely robust. The concept also provides massive weight benefits in the vehicle due to the smaller battery. “With our new battery housing concept, we are making electric vehicles more economical and environmentally friendly—while remaining just as attractive to customers,” explains Dr. Otmar Scharrer, Head of Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE. “Both its moderate production costs and the elimination of expensive, powerful batteries are making a targeted contribution to bringing affordable electric vehicles to a broader market.” The need to cool batteries and power electronics gives rise to complex circuits that substantially increase the requirements on individual components and thermal management control systems. MAHLE has supported the growing electrification of the powertrain and the associated tougher requirements right from the start and is continuously expanding its expertise in research and development.