Battery concept to minimize the climate-related reduction of electric vehicles driving range

The limited driving range of EVs can highly vary due to the influence of ambient conditions. Recent studies report driving range reductions up to 33 % in extreme heat and up to 60 % in extreme cold conditions. Furthermore, long recharging times of the battery limit the convenient operating range of EVs. Using a holistic energy management approach for electric vehicles, the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project “OPTEMUS” is aiming to develop battery modules that fit smoothly into the build-in volume of a state-of-the-art A-segment electric vehicle and addresses the target of counterbalancing ambient influences in order to increase driving range in extreme weather conditions and enhance battery lifetime. By using Phase Change Materials (PCM) in the battery, the amount of latent heat that can be stored in the battery is increased in order to increase the thermal stability of the battery. Advanced thermal management functions enable thermal charging and discharging of the battery as well as intelligent routing of thermal energy and usage of the stored thermal energy for passenger comfort.