Centrale Nantes and MoldTecs SAS joined forces to improve the thermal and energy management of electric vehicles

MoldTecs SAS hosted representatives from Centrale Nantes' management and research teams, on Friday 15 November, to celebrate the launch of their bilateral partnership via an industrial research chair.

The engineering activities linked to this Chair began in October. The aim of the partnership, known as TETReIS, is to develop innovative thermoplastic parts to optimise heat loss from vehicles, thereby improving their efficiency and range.

The scope of activity covers electric vehicles as well as hydrogen and alternative fuel vehicles.

Meeting the challenges: thermal management is key to electric mobility

With the transition to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, the thermal management of electrical and electronic components has become a decisive factor in guaranteeing the performance and durability of electric vehicles (EVs). The lithium-ion batteries used to power these vehicles have to operate within specific temperature ranges in order to prevent overheating, reduce deterioration and maximise efficiency.

One of the main challenges is range, which is directly linked to energy efficiency and therefore to the thermal management of the system.

Fast charging is also a major issue: although it is becoming increasingly widespread as a means of improving the user experience, it generates a significant amount of heat in the batteries, limiting the speed of charge and potentially affecting their lifespan.

This collaboration between MoldTecs engineers and Centrale Nantes research professors will help to speed up the development of new solutions.

The goal of this work is very clear: to propose and define innovative solutions to improve the thermal performance of electric propulsion systems in order to increase vehicle range while reducing operating costs. Stéphane Warnery, Director of R&D at MoldTecs.

Drawing on our long-standing expertise in energy efficiency and strong research partnerships with industrial companies, Centrale Nantes expects to make a decisive contribution to the thermal optimisation of electric vehicles.Centrale Nantes faculty will contribute their know-how in the modelling and simulation of energy systems for more efficient, safer and more sustainable electric vehicles.The technological advances made jointly will also enhance our students' education.

Jean-Baptiste Avrillier, Director of Centrale Nantes.