PARIS—Valeo and TotalEnergies plan to develop a new way to cool electric vehicle batteries using a high-performance dielectric fluid. With current technology, fluids cannot be used to cool a battery from within. However, dielectric coolant can be in direct contact with battery cells.

Valeo engineers hope to reduce the weight of thermal systems used to cool vehicle batteries, while improving the safety, travel range and carbon footprint of EVs.

“This research partnership with TotalEnergies is an opportunity to create an innovative solution that will further accelerate consumer take-up of electric vehicles,” says Francisco Moreno, president of the thermal systems business group at Valeo. “As well as improving battery thermal management, the program is an opportunity to optimize electric power trains in all areas where combining dielectric fluid with thermal systems can be beneficial.”