Motul and GCK to explore battery thermal management technologies

French lubricant company Motul and Green Corp Konnection (GCK) have joined forces to explore promising technologies around battery thermal management, leveraging both companies’ respective expertise and passion for mobility.

GCK is a group of industrial companies offering technological solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport, particularly through hydrogen.

Battery demonstrators are already under construction and first lab results have already confirmed the potential of this cooperation to develop relevant and high-performance technologies.

An “eLab Car” is under construction to prove these technologies in the real world. The famous Lancia Delta Integrale, which was a leading racing car in the 1990s, has been chosen as the test vehicle and the first laps are expected to be completed in the next three months.

Motul will also fully support GCK’s motorsport program at one of the most demanding races in the world, the Dakar Rally. With the secret ambition to win this race with a hydrogen fuel cell car, GCK and Motul believe this is a great playing field to stress test these new technologies for wider commercial use, from bus fleets, to sportscars and many others.

“We’ve developed a dielectric fluid that can dissipate the heat and isolate the cells of the battery. We have aimed for three clear benefits: safer batteries, less fire risk, and more durable batteries with faster charging possibilities,” said Christophe Lacroix, Motul chief information and sustainability officer.

“Enhancing the performance and safety of lithium batteries can only be achieved through immersion. It was therefore essential for GCK Battery to find a leading partner in the development of highly qualified fluids. We are delighted to have Motul’s support in the development of these next generation batteries,” said Cédric Loubiat, deputy CEO of GCK Battery.