The fire-resistant nature of the dielectric fluid means it can, to some extent, prevent the spread of thermal runaway and improve safety. The use of immersion cooling can also mean that other vehicle components, such as cooling plates, the condenser, and the cooler, are no longer needed for battery cooling.

The main coolant requirements:
In addition to being dielectric, immersion coolants must also possess other performance qualities to achieve optimal efficiency. Desired coolant characteristics include high thermal conductivity, high specific heat, and low viscosity, as well as a low freezing point and high flash point, a high atmospheric boiling point, and good chemical and thermal stability to ensure a long service life. The coolant must also be non-corrosive to other package materials and comply with any regulatory requirements related to environmental factors, such as non-toxic composition, biodegradability, and low global warming potential. Finally, cost is one of the most important factors to consider for automotive applications, as it could be the deciding factor between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) choosing immersion cooling or a cheaper alternative.

Single-phase vs. two-phase:
The two types of immersion cooling include single-phase and two-phase, and both offer individual advantages that should be considered. Single-phase immersion coolant is pumped through the battery and a heat exchanger and is the most popular method for immersion cooling in electric vehicles. Despite offering better thermal performance, two-phase cooling can require refilling after evaporation, and the design is more complex to optimize, especially for use in electric vehicles.

Barriers to the Adoption of Immersion Cooling in Electric Vehicles:
Immersion cooling is most popular for cooling servers, data centers, and transformers, and is not yet widely used in the automotive sector. The weight of the immersion coolant could be difficult for electric vehicles to handle, as could the costs associated with this method and its lack of maturity. There is also the potential need for a cooler and effective sealing of the battery module, which further hinders the adoption of immersion cooling in the automotive sector despite its effectiveness. However, considering the advantages of reduced component numbers and the efficiency of direct cooling, its use may become more widespread as electric vehicle types grow and become more differentiated. Early adopters include applications such as high-performance hybrids and construction equipment.