Press Release, 19 January 2026
As the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage industries expand at unprecedented rates, Thermal management systems (TMS) are emerging as critical enablers for performance, safety, and longevity. According to new research from IDTechEx, innovations in active and passive cooling are transforming both Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and electric vehicles, ensuring optimal operating conditions while mitigating fire, explosion, and degradation risks.
In the context of BESS, growing global deployments across residential, commercial, and grid-scale applications have heightened the focus on safety. Thermal incidents from lithium-ion batteries can release toxic gases and pose environmental hazards, driving the adoption of advanced active and passive cooling methods. Passive solutions include fire protection materials, cell spacers, and phase change materials, while active systems integrate heat and smoke sensors, ventilation mechanisms, and fire suppressants such as aerosol and sprinkler systems. IDTechEx forecasts the BESS thermal management and fire protection market will surpass US$25 billion by 2036, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to safety and resilience.
For electric vehicles, the shift toward cell-to-pack battery designs, direct oil-cooled motors, and silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics is reshaping traditional cooling strategies. The report highlights immersion cooling as an emerging trend, allowing for faster charging, improved thermal performance, and enhanced safety. Material suppliers are also focusing on multi-functional materials that combine fire resistance, thermal insulation, and compression capabilities key to meeting the high energy density demands of next-generation EVs. Additionally, direct oil cooling of electric motors is replacing water-glycol systems, offering better efficiency and size reduction, marking a clear evolution in EV powertrain thermal design.
With both sectors converging on smarter, safer, and more efficient cooling technologies, thermal management is fast becoming the unseen force driving the next wave of electrified and energy-secure mobility.
Source: IDTechEx – “Thermal Management, Fire and Explosion Protection for BESS 2026–2036” & “Thermal Management for Electric Vehicles 2026–2036”
Compiled using AI
