From the Archives

The automotive industry is widely aware of changing laws regarding refrigerants in Europe, and the potential full ban of existing refrigerants in 2028. With this in mind, the most important factors companies are considering when it comes to new refrigerants is efficiency, cost, and availability in the region and its components. Industry professionals in the thermal management space are now comparing different types and uses of new refrigerants, taking into account what is currently being developed by chemical companies, what suppliers are testing, and how the shift from the existing refrigerant to a carbon dioxide one will affect the system re-design.

Automotive IQ spoke with Rebecca Bellchambers, Thermal Research Analyst at S&P Global Mobility to get an understanding of these concepts and concerns.

Passengers want to feel comfortable within their vehicle and for the vehicle to be cool enough when the ambient temperature is hot and vice versa. These elements have implications on how OEMs condition the battery, and this can affect range in a positive or a negative way, often more negative more than positive. Finding this sweet spot in terms of thermal management as the industry is constrained by range has never been more important. With this in mind, Automotive IQ interviewed Alessandro Riccio, Energy and Thermal Performance Engineer at Iveco Group to find out how OEMs can achieve the sweet spot between passenger comfort and range, as well as ways to manage, cool and heat all the high-voltage and low-voltage components within the car depending on what the ambient temperature is.

Interview topic discussions:

• Balancing Passenger Comfort and Vehicle Range

• Industry Trends

• Battery Conditioning Impact

• Challenges in Thermal Management

• Positive and Negative Impacts

• Different Approaches by OEMs

• Comprehensive Temperature Management

The Automotive IQ team has compiled some of our most popular e-motor content for you to enjoy. Featuring:

• Integrating the Power Electronics, E-Motor and Gearbox to Simplify the System | Interview with Dr. Vineetha Ravindran at Scania Group
• Practical Strategies to Reduce Dependency on Rare Earth Materials | Interview with Dr. João Bonifácio at ZF Group 
• Taking a System-Level Approach to E-Motor Efficiency Optimisation | Interview with Dr. Fabio Dohr at ZF Group
• Alternative Materials and Magnets to Replace Rare Earth Materials in E-Motor Design | Interview with Krishna MPK Namburi at Nexteer Automotive

This report highlights the motives behind reducing dependency and the key considerations for alternative materials and magnets to Rare Earth Materials. Gain an understanding of what the leading OEM's and Tier 1's are doing and learn exclusive insights from Krishna MPK Namburi, System Controls Engineering Manager at Nexteer Automotive, Dr. João Bonifácio, Head of System Design, Systems Engineering Electronics and Software - Electrified Powertrain Technology and Dominic Bezikofer, Head of E-Motors & Components NA, Author & Initiatorat at ZF Group.

The Auto IQ Team have compiled our most popular and widely read content this year into an exclusive resource bundle, including:

1. DC Fast Charging and its Impact on Thermal Management | Interview with Sowmya Jayaraman at General Motors
2. Thermal Management - Comparison of Different Types & Uses of New Refrigerants: Interview with Rebecca Bellchambers at S&P Global Mobility
3. Thermal Management is Vital to the Safe, Efficient, and Reliable Operation of EVs

Fill in your details below to download the 2025 content bundle.

Christine Lützkendorf, Policy Adviser at Deutsche Umwelthilfe, and Sidsel Dyekjaer, Chemicals Policy Adviser at Chemsec, offer valuable insights on how the automotive industry can effectively prepare for the impending PFAS ban scheduled for 2026.

Interview highlights includes:

• How the PFAS ban will help drive long-term environmental sustainability in the industry
• The impact the PFAS ban will have on production costs and supply chain issues
• The key technical challenges and opportunities posed by the PFAS ban
  

In this report, we analyse data collected and provide a clear overview of the current opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions within the thermal management sector throughout 2024. It will examine key trends and market dynamics, highlighting areas of growth and innovation, while also addressing ongoing issues and priorities.