As the world heats up and extreme weather becomes more frequent, new energy vehicles are grappling with a host of challenges in high-temperature conditions. The scorching heat isn't just a drain on battery performance and lifespan; it can also trigger dangerous battery overheating incidents, presenting a significant safety hazard. Moreover, the heat can wreak havoc on the vehicle's electronic components and materials, escalating the energy demands of air conditioning systems, and ultimately diminishing the vehicle's operational range, impacting both its overall performance and the comfort of its passengers.

The Challenges of Extreme Heat for Electric Vehicles

A study reveals that electric vehicles can potentially lose up to 30%[1] of the total range in extreme heat. Extreme heat leads to microcracks, extended charge times, and reduced EV range. The following are some potential challenges electric vehicles may face in extremely hot weather:

Battery Performance Impacts

A traction battery is the heart of electric vehicles, and its performance determines the overall efficiency of the EV. But the biggest challenge is high temperatures. The extreme heat speeds up the chemical reactions inside the battery, causing cells to break down faster than usual. In addition, high temperatures also accelerate the decomposition of the electrolyte and the aging of the internal materials of the battery, increasing the internal resistance of the battery and increasing the risk of thermal runaway, which may cause the battery to catch fire or explode.

This means that as temperatures rise to 95° F (35°C) or higher, batteries begin to overheat, leading to lower efficiency, faster discharge rate, shorter battery life, and ultimately,reducedvehicle range and total mileage.  

Thermal Management Issues 

EVs heavily depend on modern thermal management systems (TMS) to keep all parts at optimum temperature and prevent overheating. High temperatures pose severe challenges for the cooling systems, causing EV key components like electric motors, power electronics, and battery packs to overheat.

Ultimately, this heat-trapping leads to compromised performance, greater energy use, and safety issues within the vehicle. For instance, if the cooling system failed to keep the battery pack cool, it would lead to a thermal runaway, resulting in fires or explosions.Therefore, EVs with thermal management issues pose serious safety risks to the passengers.

Passenger Comfort 

In addition to EV battery cooling system issues, extreme heat can seriously impact a passenger’s vehicle experience. Less powerful cooling systems fail to adjust the temperatures accordingly, resulting in compromised riding experiences.

Air conditions that can’t withstand long trips interfere with the vehicle’s overall performance. For EVs, it’s even trickier since the cooling systems are tied to energy management.

After prolonged exposure to the sun, the air inside the vehicle may become dirty, and the lack of fresh air circulation may aggravate the discomfort of passengers, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions. High temperatures may cause seats and upholstery to become hot and uncomfortable for passengers, especially those materials that do not have good heat dissipation properties.

This means that managing passenger comfort is equally challenging for electric vehicles during extreme heat.

Yutong’s YEA Technology: Revolutionizing EV Performance in Extreme Heat

Yutong's YEA technology represents the pioneering integrated electric platform in the commercial vehicle sector, combining hardware and software expertise. This innovative platform is equipped with a new generation of ultra-high-security batteries, cutting-edge energy replenishment techniques, multi-in-one SiC power domain controllers, and more. These features are specifically designed to tackle and triumph over the demanding challenges of extreme heat, ensuring robust performance and reliability under the most intense conditions.

YEA is designed to enhance the performance, safety, and comfort of EVs through some key advancements, including:

1. Guaranteed Safety (with the new generation of high-safety super-energy battery)

The sandwich fireproof insulation structure realizes fire prevention outside the battery pack at 1300°C for 2 hours.

·The pioneering nitrogen protection system in the industry is used to isolate oxygen and eliminate the risk of fire and explosion in the event of thermal runaway.

· The advanced, high-efficient liquid heat system eliminates the need for high-voltage heating components. It keeps the battery away from the "igniter" and minimizes safety risks caused by heating component failures.

· The 24-hour all-weather battery monitoring system operates uninterruptedly, which eliminates the risk of thermal runaway.

2. Reduced Energy Consumption

· The power domain controller with the highest integration in the industry achieves a power efficiency of up to 99.5%, reduces the system weight by 50%, and decreases the energy consumption of the whole vehicle by 5%.

· The new generation of high-efficiency and lightweight integrated e-axle combines the motor and the axle to achieve improved system integration and transmission efficiency. The weight of the system is reduced by 49%, a larger passenger capacity is achieved, and the comprehensive energy consumption is down by 15%.

3. Efficient Operation

·  Yutong's heat pump can intelligently select the best working mode based on the temperature control state of the motor and battery system, ensuring the temperature control effect of the power system and the whole vehicle in various harsh environments. Even in high-temperature environments, it can still ensure safe and stable operation of the vehicle while achieving maximum energy saving.

· Yutong adopts efficient energy replenishment technology and a 600A independent double-plug charging system with liquid cooling technology. The charging plugs can be plugged and unplugged at any time. It can realize megawatt ultra-charging and fully charging within an hour, maximizing operational efficiency.

·  Yutong's intelligent cockpit supports intelligent voice control, vehicle-cloud interaction, online service, scenario-based service, and other functions, giving drivers and passengers car-level operation and experience.

· Vehicle+ ITS, Yutong's intelligent connected vehicle management system, realizes intelligent management of the entire life cycle of vehicles. Based on the three core scenarios of departure, driving, and collection, it makes the overall operation safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient through core functions such as intelligent inspection, remote air conditioning reservation, predictive maintenance, peak and valley charging, and intelligent maintenance.

Wrapping Up

Yutong's YEA technology stands out with its array of strengths, offering ground-breaking solutionss to the complex challenges within the new energy vehicle sector. This technology champions efficiency in thermal management and pioneers an integrated approach to electric drive systems. It enhances vehicle capabilities and security, reduces energy usage, and prolongs the lifespan of batteries, all while ensuring a smoother, more reliable ride for passengers.

Yutong aspires to be at the forefront of advancing the new energy vehicle industry towards a future ofefficiency, safety, and eco-friendliness. Driven by a passion for innovation, Yutong is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations and crafting sustainable mobility solutions. Looking ahead, Yutong is poised to pursue a shared ambition of greener transportation.

Reference:

[1]https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2024/06/21/report-examines-how-extreme-heat-impacts-electric-vehicles-