Did you know that using a antifreeze for electric cars designed for this purpose helps improve the performance and efficiency of your vehicle? We are not the ones saying it, according to studies by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), proper thermal maintenance of the battery and the internal systems of electric cars can reduce up to 15% the loss of energy in extreme conditions of cold or heat.
In this sense, the antifreeze for electric vehicles They work differently than traditional ones, as they must be adapted to the unique needs of these cars. This very specific product not only protects the battery, but also helps extend the life of the key components of your electric car.
Do you want to find out how it works and why it is essential? Below, we tell you everything you need to know about this type of product, from its differences with the traditional antifreeze for cars and industrial equipment such as solar panels, to its benefits and advantages.
How does antifreeze work in an electric vehicle?
The data provided at the beginning that verifies that the energy loss in extreme cold or heat conditions in a car can be of 15% This means that using a specialized antifreeze can result in shorter charging times and more efficient operation of the vehicle's HVAC system.
Note that Electric cars rely heavily on an efficient cooling system to keep at bay the high temperatures generated in the battery and motor.
And unlike internal combustion vehicles, Electric ones do not have a traditional radiatorInstead, they use a liquid cooling system that circulates through key components to dissipate heat.
Traditional antifreezes are designed for internal combustion vehicles, which have a different cooling system. In a gasoline or diesel car, the radiator and coolant function to absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the engine. In an electric vehicle, the main source of heat comes from the battery and electric propulsion systems.
What makes this specific product for electric cars different?
The key to the functioning of the antifreeze in electric cars It lies in the structural and design differences that these vehicles present compared to internal combustion vehicles.
While in a traditional car the cooling system revolves around the combustion engine, in electric cars the focus is on the battery and propulsion components.
Lithium-ion batteries, the heart of electric vehicles, operate optimally within a relatively narrow temperature range, generally located between 20 and 40°C. When they are overheated or cooled too much, their capacity and lifespan are significantly compromised.
This is where antifreeze designed specifically for electric cars comes into play.
Unlike normal antifreeze, those designed for electric cars have special additives and properties that make them more efficient at dissipating heat generated by the battery and propulsion systems.
Because of this, antifreeze for electric cars must meet the following requirements:
- Higher heat transfer efficiencyA: It must be able to absorb and dissipate heat more efficiently than conventional antifreeze. This helps maintain optimal temperature in the battery and key components.
- Corrosion Protection and the oxide: Materials used in electrical cooling systems, such as aluminum and copper, are more susceptible to corrosion. Antifreeze must contain special additives to protect these materials.
- Material Compatibility: It must be compatible with the different materials used in the electric vehicle cooling system, such as plastics, rubbers and metals.
- Greater Durability: When subjected to high temperatures and workloads, antifreeze for electric cars must be more durable and maintain its properties longer than conventional antifreezes.
Advantages of using the right antifreeze in your electric car: What are they?
The use of these specific products for electric cars has several benefits: from contributing to thermal efficiency to reducing the risk of corrosion or even improving their autonomy and the performance of the air conditioning system. Below, we detail them:
1. Thermal efficiency of cooling systems
The battery of an electric car operates optimally in a specific temperature range (usually between 20 and 40 °C). If the battery becomes too hot or too cold, Its capacity and useful life are considerably reduced..
For this reason, a study of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), confirms that efficient cooling systems can increase the life of lithium-ion batteries by 30% due to improved thermal stability of the antifreeze system.
How do they do it? Easy, by including additives that optimize heat transfer, maintaining the ideal temperature range for the battery. This is key, since better heat dissipation allows the vehicle to conserve its energy without suffering from overheating.
2. Corrosion and sensitive materials
The cooling systems of electric vehicles are made of lighter and, in some cases, more sensitive materials than those of internal combustion engines., such as aluminum and copper.
Using antifreeze not adapted to these materials can cause corrosion, shortening the life of the system components.
Laboratory studies have shown that conventional antifreezes may increase the risk of corrosion in alloy systems aluminum in electric vehicles, while specialized ones contain corrosion inhibitors to protect these alloys.
In other words, they help improve the durability and efficiency of the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Impact on range and efficiency
According to research from Battery University and engineering studies Thermal Management in Electric VehiclesExtreme temperatures (both low and high) significantly affect the range of electric vehicles.
In cold climates, for example, batteries can lose up to 40% of their autonomy capacity due to the lower efficiency of charging and discharging under adverse temperatures. This translates into greater vehicle autonomy, especially in cold climates or during long rides.
4. Improved air conditioning efficiency
A well-maintained cooling system also contributes to the performance of the electric car's air conditioning system, as both systems are usually interconnected to maximize energy efficiency.
A study by Electrochem Solutions Inc. demonstrated that the use of specialized antifreeze can reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning system by up to 10%, improving the vehicle's autonomy, since less energy is required to regulate the interior temperature.
¿How to choose the right antifreeze for your electric car?
When selecting antifreeze for your electric vehicle, it is important to consider the following issues:
- Check the recommendations from your car manufacturerThey will specify the type of compatible antifreeze and the proper mixing ratios.
- Look for a product that meets the specs of electrical cooling systems, such as increased heat transfer efficiency and corrosion protection.
- Check that the antifreeze is compatible with the materials used in your vehicle, such as plastics, rubbers and metals. If you have doubts about which one to choose, you can always take a look at our range of antifreeze available in our Online store.
- Choose an antifreeze with a long service life, to minimize changes and maintenance.
- Consider weather factors such as the ambient temperature in the area where you drive your vehicle.