SK On Integrates SK Enmove's 'Immersion Cooling Technology' into Electric Vehicle Batteries

To Be Unveiled at InterBattery 2025 on the 5th
Fire Risk Reduced by Using Insulating Coolant

SK On and SK Enmove jointly introduce the 'immersion cooling' technology for electric vehicles that suppresses battery heat generation. This method ensures safety by circulating a non-conductive cold cooling fluid inside the battery.

SK On announced on the 3rd that it will exhibit the immersion cooling technology at 'InterBattery 2025,' the largest domestic battery exhibition, opening on the 5th at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Since the coolant directly contacts the battery cells in immersion cooling technology, it is more efficient and safer than indirect cooling methods such as air cooling using cooling fans or water cooling through pipes.

Next-generation battery model with 'immersion cooling' technology for electric vehicles, jointly introduced by SK On and SK Enmove. Photo by SK On

The immersion cooling battery pack developed by the two companies features a flow path (through which the cooling fluid passes) designed to maximize the contact area between the cooling fluid and the cells, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency. SK On announced that it will maximize the performance of immersion cooling by integrating its independently developed wireless Battery Management System (BMS). They devised a structure where a wireless chip is directly attached to the battery cell tab, and the antenna of the module transmits the information collected by the chip to the BMS. This eliminates the need for cables, removing factors that hinder immersion cooling performance.

SK Enmove is the first among domestic oil companies to commercialize immersion cooling products. SK Enmove is also applying related technology to data centers and energy storage systems (ESS) that require thermal management, and through cooperation with SK On, it is enhancing its cooling fluid technology for electric vehicles. Previously, SK Enmove collaborated with SK Telecom in 2023 to conduct a demonstration evaluation for data centers, and last year partnered with Hanwha Aerospace to develop a fire-resistant ESS immersion cooling product.

Park Gisu, head of SK On's Research and Development (R&D) division, said, "As the adoption rate of electric vehicles increases, safety becomes more important, so we expect demand for immersion cooling to grow in the future. SK On will lead this market while continuously contributing to the electrification of mobility based on relentless technological development and innovation."