16
THE TECH
(^)
Image courtesy of Michelin
Image courtesy of Miba
Auto parts manufacturer Miba has released the FLEX-
cooler, a flexible battery cooling system that can adjust
its shape to fit various batteries, including prismatic, cy-
lindrical, and pouch cells. Miba says its adaptable cooling
system attaches closely to battery cells, eliminating the
need for gap fillers.
As part of the EU research project i-HeCoBatt (Intelli-
gent Heating and Cooling Solution for Enhanced Range
EV Battery Packs), Miba intends to equip its FLEXcooler
system with sensors that will provide vehicle controls
with data about the battery’s temperature distribution.
Miba also produces other e-mobility products such as
high-power resistors, hairpin stators, and high-voltage
batteries.
Miba CEO F. Peter Mitterbauer said, “E-mobility is a
growth area for us. We see electrification as an opportu-
nity to develop an additional business segment in close
cooperation with our customers.”
Miba’s new battery cooler
adjusts to the shape of battery
cells
Proterra, a manufacturer of heavy-duty EVs, is collabo-
rating with Michelin to develop the X InCity Energy Z
tire, a low-rolling-resistance tire designed and optimized
for electric buses in urban environments. Proterra says
the tire will be the standard tire offered for its Catalyst
buses.
Michelin designed the X InCity Energy Z tire to help
e-buses increase range by reducing rolling resistance and
improve performance by increasing load-carrying capac-
ity and integrating better traction.
The new tire incorporates Michelin Advanced Tech-
nology tread compounds to provide low rolling resis-
tance, and uses 3D Matrix sipe technologies to provide
biting edges for traction in wet and slippery conditions.
With this technology, the X InCity Energy Z is optimized
for all-season weather and is certified 3PMSF (“three-
peak mountain snowflake”) and M+S (“mud and snow”).
Proterra CEO Ryan Popple said, “We are a leader
in the electric bus industry in battery technology, but
we’re also innovating to improve the efficient use of
that stored energy. We were proud to introduce the first
purpose-built, lightweight bus chassis to this industry,
and we’re similarly excited to partner with a global leader
like Michelin to bring the X InCity Energy Z tire to this
market.”
Proterra works with Michelin
to develop low-rolling-
resistance tire for e-buses