The Rise of Heat Pump Air Conditioning in China's New Energy Vehicles

Feb 15
07:01

2024

Isabella Johnna

Isabella Johnna

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The burgeoning field of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China is witnessing a significant shift towards heat pump air conditioning systems, which promise enhanced energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This technology is poised to redefine thermal management in electric vehicles, offering a greener alternative to traditional heating methods.

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The Evolution of Thermal Management in Electric Vehicles

New energy vehicles (NEVs) are at the forefront of the automotive industry's efforts to mitigate environmental pollution caused by conventional fuel vehicles. A key distinction between NEVs and their traditional counterparts lies in their power systems,The Rise of Heat Pump Air Conditioning in China's New Energy Vehicles Articles which necessitate a complete overhaul of thermal management and air conditioning systems.

Historically, industry giants such as Denso, Valeo, Hanon, and Mahle have dominated the global market for automotive thermal management, collectively holding over 50% of the market share in 2018, according to a report by JATO Dynamics. These companies have leveraged their technical prowess to maintain a competitive edge. However, as the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, this landscape is changing, with Chinese companies poised to challenge the status quo and potentially lead the market.

The Advantages of Heat Pump Technology

The thermal management system in NEVs encompasses not only the air conditioning system but also includes battery thermal management, electric motor control thermal management, and the cooling of other equipment. Unlike traditional vehicles, NEVs use electric energy to power their air conditioning systems, with heating options including Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heaters and heat pump systems. Heat pumps are gaining traction due to their superior energy efficiency compared to PTC heating, leading to their rapid adoption in NEVs.

The Ascent of Chinese Companies in the Heat Pump Market

Chinese companies are quickly gaining ground in the heat pump air-conditioning market, capitalizing on their agility and keen market sense to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and international new energy automobile manufacturers. The transition from engine-driven to battery-powered air conditioning systems in NEVs necessitates innovative technical solutions, providing an opportunity for Chinese firms to potentially "overtake on the curve" in the competitive landscape of automotive thermal management.

Investment Opportunities in China's NEV Heat Pump Industry

The market value of air-conditioning systems in NEVs is significantly higher than that of traditional vehicles, with estimates suggesting a value of approximately 7,000 to 10,000 yuan per vehicle, nearly double that of conventional vehicles. The air-conditioning system alone in NEVs is valued at around 3,950 yuan per vehicle, a stark contrast to the 1,610 yuan per vehicle in traditional fuel vehicles. With China's NEV penetration rate target set at 25% by 2025, domestic sales of NEVs are expected to reach 7.1 million, creating a market potential of about 50 billion yuan for thermal management systems, of which 28 billion yuan could be attributed to air-conditioning systems. The adoption of carbon dioxide heat pump technology could further enhance this market potential.

The Role of Air Conditioning Systems in NEVs

The air conditioning system is a critical component of the thermal management system in NEVs. The main differences between the thermal management systems of NEVs and traditional vehicles are:

  1. NEVs require electric air-conditioning compressors and water pumps, as well as alternative heating methods like PTC or heat pumps, due to the absence of an engine or limited engine use.
  2. NEVs necessitate meticulous thermal management of the power battery, adding components such as chillers, battery cooling water plates, valves, and PTC to the system.

The heating options for NEVs include PTC and heat pump modes. For cooling, electric compression refrigeration is the standard, while heating primarily involves PTC (liquid/air) and heat pump systems. For instance, Tesla's Model X utilizes an air PTC heating scheme, which is more efficient than liquid PTC systems.

In conclusion, as China continues to advance in the NEV market, the heat pump air conditioning technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric vehicles. With increased investment and innovation, Chinese companies are well-positioned to lead this transformative era in automotive thermal management.