Lion Smart Production GmbH, a subsidiary of Lion E-Mobility AG, has entered into a partnership with Castrol to jointly develop a next-generation battery module for high-performance electric vehicles. The collaboration focuses on advancing direct battery cooling, also known as immersion cooling, to improve charging efficiency, safety, and battery lifespan.
Lion Smart has long employed immersion cooling in its battery systems, where a light dielectric fluid directly surrounds the battery cells, dissipating heat more effectively than conventional plate-based systems. This approach allows heat generated during fast charging to be removed evenly across all cells, preventing localized hotspots and extending component durability.
See also: German Battery Specialist Lion Smart Partners with SVOLT for Next-Gen Battery Packs
Castrol contributes its expertise in thermal management and EV thermal fluids to the project. “Castrol ON EV Thermal Fluids are used to ensure optimum heat dissipation, increase power density and improve battery life and safety,” Lion E-Mobility said in a statement. The new battery module’s modular design aims to achieve “homogeneous temperature distribution and minimal temperature gradient within the cell,” while maximizing the cooled surface area.
According to Lion E-Mobility, internal tests show the new module can deliver greater energy recovery, higher power output, and improved reliability at lower system costs compared to indirect cooling systems. The design also includes a “single-cell fuse” feature intended to limit propagation from internal short circuits.
“Direct battery cooling is a transformative technology for EV performance and safety, and this collaboration is a significant step towards real-world deployment,” said Matthias Donner, Vice President of Advanced Mobility and Industrial Products at Castrol. “Together, we’re shaping a future where electric vehicles can charge faster and last longer whilst operating more efficiently, even under extreme conditions.”
See also: TU Dresden Celebrates Topping-Out Ceremony for €86 Million Smart Mobility Lab in Hoyerswerda
Michael Geppert, Head of Engineering at Lion Smart, added that the company’s modular architecture “is designed to push the boundaries of electrical performance in high-power applications,” noting that Castrol’s expertise in cooling technology aligns closely with Lion Smart’s next-generation development goals.
The companies said the joint effort is intended to advance direct battery cooling for plug-in hybrid and fully electric systems, though specific performance data was not disclosed.