In a milestone for the automotive and energy industries, TotalEnergies has achieved a world first by integrating an immersion-cooled battery into a mass market EV. The exceptional performance achieved in this project was made possible due to dialectic fluids specifically developed by TotalEnergies for immersion cooling technology. This groundbreaking innovation not only signals a new era for electric mobility but also demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale deployment of high-performance battery cooling systems in consumer vehicles.
Pioneering a new standard in EV battery cooling
Immersion cooling, long seen as a frontier technology for advanced applications, has now made its way into the mainstream. After successfully implementing the system in a Volvo XC90 (a plug-in hybrid vehicle) in 2022, TotalEnergies has taken the technology further by applying it to a fully electric vehicle built for the mass market: a Renault Mégane. The partnership between TotalEnergies and Renault marks a major step forward in battery technology integration. Unlike traditional cooling systems, immersion cooling submerges battery cells directly in a dielectric fluid, allowing for far superior thermal management. The transition from hybrid to full electric in this context is not just an evolution, it’s a technological breakthrough.
A first in the EV market
By integrating this system into a production-ready electric Mégane, TotalEnergies has proven that immersion cooling is not limited to experimental vehicles. This development sends a clear message: cutting-edge battery technology can be both practical and scalable. This marks the first time a consumer electric car has been equipped with an immersion-cooled battery, representing a key milestone in the transition toward next-generation electric vehicles.
The ability to incorporate this advanced technology into an existing production model without altering the car’s design or architecture is a testament to the innovation and engineering expertise behind the project.
The game-changing impact of immersion cooling
Traditional battery systems use indirect methods to manage heat, often relying on air or liquid channels surrounding the battery pack. These approaches can be limited in efficiency and often result in bulkier battery systems with added weight and complexity. Immersion cooling, by contrast, offers direct and uniform heat dissipation.
By immersing each cell in the dielectric fluid developed by TotalEnergies, heat is removed more effectively from the battery pack, leading to significant performance benefits:
Faster charging: charging times are reduced by nearly half, making electric vehicles more convenient and practical for daily use.
Enhanced safety: the system mitigates the risk of thermal runaway (a potentially dangerous chain reaction) by maintaining optimal temperatures across the battery.
Improved performance: with better thermal management, the battery operates more efficiently, supporting higher power output and longer lifespans.
Greater autonomy: thanks to a 10% increase in volumetric energy density, the system delivers more range without increasing the size or weight of the battery.
Weight and cost savings: by eliminating complex cooling infrastructure, the overall weight and cost of the battery system are reduced.
These benefits make immersion cooling an attractive solution for car manufacturers looking to push the limits of EV performance without compromising safety or scalability.
Designed for the demands of the future
Electric mobility is entering a new phase. The next generation of EVs must support ultra-fast charging, offer extended range, and meet the highest safety standards, all while being cost-effective. Immersion cooling offers a direct and effective response to this challenge.
By delivering a solution that improves key performance metrics of EV batteries, TotalEnergies positions itself at the forefront of next-generation electric mobility. In addition, the adaptability of the system and its seamless integration into current battery systems makes it a practical solution for large-scale use.
A trusted partner for car manufacturers
The success of this project reflects the trust that leading car manufacturers like Renault have placed in TotalEnergies. It’s not only about the innovation itself, but also the maturity of the solution. The dielectric fluids developed by TotalEnergies for immersion cooling are already available, tested, and optimized for the automotive industry. These proprietary fluids offer long-term stability, electrical insulation, and high thermal conductivity that are all essential for maintaining performance over the lifetime of the vehicle.
In a fast-evolving market shaped by consumer expectations and environmental standards, a reliable and scalable solution like immersion cooling offers a key competitive advantage.
Powering the future of mobility
TotalEnergies’ breakthrough in immersion cooling technology exemplifies its commitment to innovation and sustainability in mobility. By redefining the way batteries are managed and integrated, the company is contributing to a future where electric vehicles are not only more accessible but also more efficient, safer, and better suited to the evolving needs of consumers and industry alike.
As the transition to a lower-carbon future continues, technologies like immersion cooling are set to play an increasingly important role. Through its recent developments, TotalEnergies demonstrates its commitment to this path and plays a significant role in driving this evolution.
