Sensing to solve EV thermal challenges

The complexities of electric-vehicle HVAC require new sensing solutions. An expert at TDK explains.

A common criticism of electric vehicles (EVs) is that extremes of heat and cold adversely affect their performance, particularly range. OEMs have been aware of the issue and have innovated and iterated technologies to solve it. EVs increasingly are being engineered with sophisticated heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) systems based on some of the most advanced and robust sensors and actuators available.

These systems mitigate against the effects of thermal extremes that, admittedly, still challenge IC-engine vehicles on an infrequent basis. But there are tradeoffs. The ICE vehicle's HVAC is a relatively simple affair involving air cooling, a coolant (water ethylene glycol, or WEG), heaters, and heat exchangers (including air conditioners). HVAC systems for EVs by necessity are far more complex. Understanding the details is important to designing an effective system.