Automotive supplier Marelli has unveiled its latest innovation for electric vehicles (EVs), the integrated thermal management module (iTMM). This cutting-edge system integrates the thermal management functions for the electric drive, battery, and vehicle interior into a single component, offering several potential benefits.
Marelli claims that the iTMM’s advanced design allows for a more compact system with reduced installation space requirements, while optimizing the overall thermal management process. The company suggests that these improvements could potentially lead to an increase in EV range by up to 20 percent, albeit specifically under “winter conditions.” However, Marelli has not provided a clear basis for comparison, leaving some uncertainty regarding whether the stated 20 percent improvement is in comparison to an earlier generation or to the absence of thermal management altogether. Furthermore, the press release lacks specific details on dimensions, weight, and performance.
The core of Marelli’s solution lies in an intelligent valve arrangement, which connects various water-cooled heat exchangers, such as the radiator or the water-cooled condenser. Instead of employing separate heat exchangers for each cooling circuit, the iTMM employs a combined valve capable of managing up to six channel combinations. By efficiently connecting the three systems (electric drive, battery, and vehicle interior) and leveraging their synergies while sharing components, the iTMM achieves optimized energy management. This approach reduces system complexity, ensures effective cooling of the electric powertrain, facilitates high safety standards, enables ultra-fast charging of the battery, and delivers optimal thermal comfort within the cabin, according to Marelli.
The integrated nature of the iTMM allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to more easily integrate the module into their electric architectures. With fewer components and a compact and lightweight design, Marelli asserts that the iTMM not only enables competitive system costs but also meets the latest market requirements, including ultra-fast charging with pre-conditioning and compliance with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) standards.
Marelli Group, formed in 2019 through the merger of Italian supplier Magneti-Marelli (formerly owned by Fiat-Chrysler) and Japanese firm Calsonic Kansei (with ties to Nissan), has been actively expanding its product range to include electric drivetrains since the merger. In Cologne, Marelli operates a production facility dedicated to electric vehicle drives. In recent times, the company introduced a wireless battery management system and an 800-volt inverter featuring silicon carbide semiconductors.
As the automotive industry continues to advance toward electrification, Marelli’s integrated thermal management module presents a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and range of electric vehicles. However, further data and independent testing will be necessary to substantiate the claimed benefits and evaluate its impact on real-world driving conditions.
