EVs dont really need radiator grilles.

For that reason, some automakers, like Tesla and Kia, have removed them from their models.

Others, such as BMW, have kept themas part of their brands design identity.

How do EVs cool down their batteries without radiator grilles?

But why are radiator grilles pointless in electric cars?

Lets first remember their purpose in conventional vehicles.

EVsdont come with a stinky engine, which means that they dont rely on this specific process.

Article image

It’s free, every week, in your inbox.

So does this mean that they dont require cooling at all?

In fact, cooling is absolutely necessary for the batterys function.

Ioanna Lykiardopoulou

The ideal working temperature range of a battery is set between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius.

Lithium-ion batteries heat up both while in use and during charging and discharging at high rates.

Letting the heat build up is dangerous.

It can lead toa thermal runaway, which, in turn, can result in fire or combustion.

How do EVs cool their batteries down?

The heat exchanger can be connected to the vehicles air conditioning system to warm up the cabin.

A cheaper but less efficient method is air cooling.

With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.

Also tagged with