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A big battery breakthrough could remove one of the most annoying aspects of electric cars.
French energy firm TotalEnergies Lubrifiants made a game-changing advancement when it successfully fitted a new “immersion-cooled” battery in a Renault Megane E-Tech.
The battery features the company’s 'Cell-Shield' fluid technology, which it said helps cut charging times in half and even boosts driving range.
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The improved cooling technology allows the battery to accept a higher amount of charge for longer, which helps slash recharging times.
Overheating is one of the biggest issues affecting electric car batteries. An EV battery charge rate looks like an arc, with it only pumping in the max kW for a short period of time, to prevent overheating and potential fires.
The French firm said it also increased safety and reduced cost and weight, without the need to modify the battery or vehicle design.
The Cell-Shield' fluid technology helps to contain thermal runaway, which is the main cause for electric vehicle fires. Thermal runaway is extremely dangerous as the fire it causes can happen when the vehicle is off and often reignites after being put out.
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The technology was only fitted to a prototype vehicle, but the real-world applications could have a huge impact on electric mass adoption.
The improved cooling tech is just one of several new technologies being prepared and could revolutionise the electric car industry.
Solid state batteries are the most talked about new tech.
These battery cells are often believed to be the holy grail of electric car battery tech and the silver bullet to mass EV adoption.
Most carmakers are working on the tech with Chinese brands such as MG and Chery leading the charge. Japanese brands Honda, Nissan and Toyota are heavily investing in the new technology, too.
These type of batteries are deemed essential to making electric sports and performance cars and off-road four-wheel drives a reality.
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