Winters' Temperature Instruments: Cool Solutions For The Red-Hot EV Battery Boom
Since 2019, the North American Electric Vehicle (EV) battery production market has exploded in size by 1,600%. As market demand for these products glows red-hot, so too does the need for temperature instrumentation to keep temperatures cool throughout the production process.
Five years ago, there were only two EV battery factories operating. Today, that number has ballooned to 34 plants, either in operation or under construction. Largely, this is driven by automakers who are trying to reduce reliance on overseas EV battery production. At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act’s passage in 2022 created another incentive to keep EV battery production stateside. To quality for available tax rebates, 60 per cent of a battery’s components must be produced domestically.
Some recent examples of this rapid expansion include the construction of Tesla's new lithium refinery plant in Robstown, Texas, and the NextStar battery plant in Windsor, Ontario by Stellantis, and LG Energy Solution. Both plants are expected to play pivotal roles in the continued growth of the EV battery market in the decades ahead.
Throughout the life cycle of an EV battery, precise temperature management is crucial. When raw materials like lithium are mined, processes like evaporation, chemical reactions and crystallization occur which are highly sensitive to temperature.
Maintaining stable temperatures is not only critical for maximizing efficiency and reducing waste, but it is also essential for preventing chemical reactions or explosions from occurring. As batteries are assembled and prepared for testing, the need for accurate temperature measurement does not diminish. Maintaining constant temperatures throughout a manufacturing plant helps reduce manufacturing problems, accurately identify defects during testing, and prolong the life and reliability of EV batteries.
For distributors who cater to the American EV market, Winters’ extensive line of temperature instrumentation is well-positioned for this rapidly emerging sector. Our thermometers include bimetallic, dial and digital versions to meet all refinery and manufacturing needs of the EV sector. From our flagship WinSMART™️ line, our TY52 Smart Explosion Proof Pressure Transmitter is especially well suited for operations in hazardous environments, and is also compatible with HART® or Modbus communications.
We also carry an array of RTDs and thermocouples, thermowells, and many supporting accessories and options to further customize each product for the needs of each project.
To learn more about how Winters’ temperature products can help set you up for success in the growing EV battery production market, please contact our knowledgeable sales staff at a Winters office near you.
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