Prestone, known for a century of high-quality fluid solutions with advanced corrosion protection, is releasing three new thermal management products for electric vehicles (EVs). At the The Battery Show this week in Detroit, the company announced its latest low-conductivity, corrosion-protectant thermal management solutions designed to meet upcoming industry specifications for EV coolants.
“Although sometimes overlooked, thermal management fluid is critical in electrified vehicles to increase driving range and safely maximize battery life by optimizing operating temperature,” said Tom Corrigan, director of EV technology for Prestone. “Our new technologies not only deliver on those elements but were also formulated with upcoming specifications in mind.”
The products
- An ultra-low conductivity fuel cell coolant designed for compatibility with PEM fuel cell stacks. Hydrogen fuel cells have distinct requirements that demand ultra-low electrical conductivity for cooling fluid, and this new formulation was developed by Prestone from the ground up using high purity and non-ionic corrosion inhibitors.
- A new silicate organic inhibitor EV thermal management fluid that meets strict specifications, including the EV coolant-specific GB29743.2 standard. Aimed at enhancing safety, this new technology offers low electrical conductivity and robust corrosion protection while providing enhanced reserve alkalinity for an extended lifetime in EVs.
- A low-conductivity phosphate organic acid EV thermal management fluid developed to meet the GB29743.2 standard. This new offering is based on technology that provides superior corrosion protection and compatibility with flux-brazed aluminum. The fluid is free of silicate, borate, and amine, making it an excellent candidate for applications with these requirements.
By mid-2026, vehicle OEMs operating or selling in China must comply with the GB29743.2 standard, requiring a major reduction in coolant electrical conductivity to improve battery safety. This standard is expected to expand to the global market in the future.
Prestone’s thermal management fluids safeguard key EV components like batteries, electric motors, power electronics, and charging infrastructure from harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and chemical exposure. These fluids circulate around critical systems to dissipate heat, offer corrosion protection, and ensure optimal performance and reliability throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
“Corrosion poses a significant threat to the longevity and reliability of automotive components, especially in the highly sensitive, intricate systems found in electrified vehicles,” said Matt Kern, senior director of global sales, Prestone. “Prestone’s thermal management fluids serve as a potent ally in combating corrosion and forming a protective barrier that shields these systems from the harmful effects of corrosion.”
Already the factory-fill of choice in dozens of electric OE models, Prestone leverages the unique properties of thermal management fluids to help automakers mitigate the risk of corrosion-induced malfunctions, safeguard critical components, and enhance overall safety and reliability.
“Thanks to the renowned R&D expertise of Prestone, we’re able to design and conduct rigorous in-house, proprietary lab and bench tests to prove our technology before a vehicle even exists,” said Corrigan. “We follow that by testing our fluids on the road, running millions of real-time electrified vehicle miles under real-life conditions.”
Filed Under: Technology News