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Vitesco and Sanden join forces to create thermal management systems for electric vehicles

May 06, 2024

Vitesco Technologies and Sanden International (Europe), a global supplier of automotive thermal management technology, have announced they’ll jointly develop an Integrated Thermal Management System for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

The project focuses on creating a compact refrigerant unit using the natural refrigerant propane (R290), developed by Sanden, and a heat energy distribution system realized by a coolant distribution unit with water/glycol, developed by Vitesco Technologies.

The coolant unit’s components include coolant pumps and Coolant Flow Control Valves (CFCV) plus sensors. Depending on the application, the coolant valve can have between 5 and 13 ports to connect heat sinks and heat sources. This integrated thermal management system offers several benefits, including flexible adaptation, reduced complexity, and less effort in the vehicle manufacturing process. It also provides system cost reduction for the OEM and conformity to regulations, including the upcoming per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) ban in Europe.

The companies plan to enhance driving range in cold conditions, enable fast charging, and ensure thermal comfort inside the cabin.