German defence company and automotive supplier, Rheinmetall, has introduced an advanced heat pump designed specifically for electric vehicles. This cutting-edge solution, presented as a plug-and-play system, comes as a fully assembled and pre-filled compact component.
The versatile heat pump is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt applications and has been meticulously engineered to provide precise air conditioning for vehicle interiors while intelligently regulating the temperature of batteries and electric drive components. With a remarkable cooling capacity of up to 8 kW and a heating power of up to 11 kW, it effectively caters to battery and hybrid systems.
Rheinmetall’s plug-and-play approach ensures seamless integration of the heat pump. It arrives at customers’ doorstep as a compact, fully assembled, and filled unit. The development process prioritized compact dimensions to maximize space utilization for automakers. This means the heat pump can be effortlessly integrated into existing as well as new vehicle platforms. Moreover, its flexibility extends beyond passenger cars, as it can be adapted for use in commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and even boats.
While exact dimensions and technical specifications were not disclosed in the press release, Rheinmetall confirmed that the cooling and heating functions are facilitated by a connected coolant circuit comprising water and glycol. The system’s standout feature is its “high-precision intelligent control,” which enables it to contribute significantly to cost-effective, efficient, and comfortable electromobility.