Prestone, a leading automotive chemical manufacturer, is advancing its efforts to develop a low-conductivity electric vehicle (EV) coolant, which aims to enhance EV efficiency. The company’s research initiatives are focused on creating coolants that minimize electrical conductivity, a key factor in improving the performance of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). This drive is part of a broader shift in the industry as automakers look for specialized cooling solutions tailored specifically for EVs.
Increased R&D Investment
Prestone has significantly increased its research and development budget over the past year to explore less conductive cooling fluids. While ethylene glycol-based coolants have been used in both gasoline vehicles and EVs, Prestone is now working on alternatives. According to Prestone EV Director Tom Corrigan, the company anticipates a major shift in cooling technology for EVs within the next one to two years.
“Essentially, EVs are borrowing the internal combustion engine fluid. We are going to see a shift in that in the next one to two years,” Corrigan said.
Testing in Ford Mustang Mach-E
Recently, Prestone has been testing its low-conductivity coolants in Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles at its tech center in Danbury, Connecticut. While initial offerings will still include ethylene glycol bases and are expected to be available in about two years, Prestone is also exploring petroleum-based dielectric coolants for future applications. The choice of coolant may vary depending on battery chemistries such as lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), solid-state, and nickel manganese cobalt.
“Those ionize in the fluid and carry an electrical charge. If you have an issue where high-conductivity coolant contacts high-voltage electronics or the battery, it can lead to fire,” Corrigan explains.
Historically, coolants used in internal combustion engines have not posed the same risks as they do in BEVs, where increased conductivity can lead to efficiency losses and safety concerns. Prestone’s goal is to develop coolants with conductivity levels as low as 100 microsiemens per centimeter for BEVs, and even lower for fuel cell vehicles—between 0.5 to 1.5 microsiemens per centimeter.
Comparatively, earlier reports on EV coolants have focused on issues like thermal management and longevity, but Prestone’s new focus on electrical conductivity marks a significant shift. By adding five scientists and engineers to its R&D team, Prestone is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the EV market.
As the industry continues to evolve, Prestone’s development of low-conductivity coolants is a strategic move to address both efficiency and safety concerns in EV systems. Reducing the electrical conductivity of coolants can prevent efficiency losses and mitigate risks associated with high-voltage components. With the increasing adoption of BEVs, the demand for specialized coolants will likely grow, making Prestone’s advancements particularly timely.
For consumers and manufacturers alike, the development of these new coolants offers the potential for improved vehicle performance and safety. As Prestone continues its research, the automotive industry may see significant benefits from these innovations, especially in the context of emerging battery technologies and the diverse cooling needs they present.
