Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), comprising Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation, have signed an agreement with local fluids and lubricants producer SK Enmove to collaborate on the development of new refrigerants for future battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of developing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) refrigerants which are 30% more efficient that those currently in use. The aim is to develop a more efficient HVAC system that helps extend the range of BEVs, particularly in cold weather when vehicles require heating.
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SK Enmove said in a statement the two companies “plan to develop refrigerants that can be used for both air conditioning and for heating BEVs, and build a circular economy encompassing the entire refrigerant business”.
It added “the next-generation vehicle refrigerants will have enhanced heating abilities compared with existing products. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, BEVs do not generate waste heat from engines for heating. Therefore, they require refrigerants that can handle both air conditioning and heating”.
According to the agreement, SK Enmove will lead development of the refrigerants while HMG will focus on developing a new automotive thermal management system which uses fluids produced by its supplier.
The new refrigerants will also be used in existing ICE vehicles to improve HVAC efficiency.
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By GlobalData
