Independent garages are looking to take on more ambitious and profitable EV and hybrid jobs, and Valeo is supporting them with a range of chillers.
This key component can be found within many EV/hybrid thermal management systems and is used to help keep Lithium-ion batteries cool.
The first part in Valeo’s chiller range to be released is an OE reference produced by Valeo for the Volkswagen ID3, which is available now. This will be followed early this year by another four references. These will cover further VAG vehicles, as well as Hyundai and KIA. Two of the references are also OE from Valeo, and will cater for Hyundai’s Tucson Plug-in Prime, and the KIA Niro EV EX Premium. The chiller will be connected to the A/C loop and its modular plate design makes it ideal for many vehicle types, from hybrids to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
EV and hybrid thermal management systems play a crucial role in maintaining batteries, keeping them running at the optimum level, and ultimately preventing thermal runaway, which could destroy the battery and ultimately the whole vehicle. The chiller regulates the temperature of coolant before it enters the battery, which helps to prevent heat damage. However, coolant can oxidise if left in the system for too long, which will corrode the chiller. This will ultimately require replacement as a result. Debris can also block the chiller, which reduces its performance.
