Mahle has secured two major orders for thermal management modules. One of the contracts is from an established, globally-present vehicle manufacturer, while the second order is from a newer car manufacturer in the Asian region. The total order volume across both projects is just under €1.5 billion (approx. $1.6 billion). Mahle said it combines components previously installed individually into thermal management modules that control the temperature of the battery, vehicle cabin, powertrain and power electronics. The modules can significantly increase the cruising range of an electric car by up to 20% and its charging speed, the company said.
Mahle said the modular design approach enables smaller installation spaces and drastically reduces assembly expenditures.
“Our deep understanding of the system, coupled with years of experience in series production were decisive for securing both appointments. This successfully sets Mahle apart from the competition,” said Jumana Al-Sibai, a member of the management board of the Mahle Group and responsible for the thermal management business unit. “By looking at thermal systems in vehicles as a whole, we can develop innovative, tailor-made concepts for our customers.”
In both modules, Mahle said it combined its components such as the electric compressor, heat exchanger, refrigerant valves and other parts into one unit. One of the modules connects the refrigerant circuit with the coolant circuits, which the company said ensures that the battery, powertrain and vehicle cabin are supplied with sufficient heat in winter as well as kept cool in summer.
Both thermal management modules were developed by an international team comprised of regional research units and the Mahle Tech Center in Stuttgart, Germany.
From a global market volume of around €35 billion (approx. $37 billion) for thermal management products in 2021, Mahle said it expects this market volume to reach more than €50 billion (approx. $53 billion) by 2030. The company recently presented a new bionic cooling plate that it said delivers 10% greater cooling capacity than conventional concepts.
