The thermal management systems – air conditioning (AC) and engine/battery cooling – in new energy vehicles (NEV), which include hybrid and fully electric cars, are more advanced than in their conventional combustion engine powered cousins and so require specific attention when they are maintained and repaired.
This presents the independent sector with a real opportunity, as there is great potential should they gear themselves up to offer the appropriate level of service and the replacement parts that are required.
“Many NEV’s thermal systems rely on heat pump solutions, which are more advanced than a typical AC loop and these systems are crucial for an electric car’s mobility, range, battery, charging and driving comfort,” explains Nissens Automotive’s, Head of Marketing, Group Content Director, Jan Zieleskiewicz.
“Although there are many components within these thermal management systems, one of the central products is the condenser, because a fault with this part of the system can potentially render the vehicle immobile or least impact its comfort or battery cooling efficiency.
“Coupled with the fact that they are mounted where they can gain the greatest air flow, which means they are also exposed to the elements – road spray, debris and salt etc – they are among the components most likely to be struck by corrosion. As a result, whenever a NEV enters the workshop, it would be wise for it to instruct its technicians to undertake a visual inspection of the system, paying particular attention to the condition of the condenser.
“Useful tips include inspection of the condenser’s surface, joints, and couplings. Pay particular attention to the bottom part of the condenser, where tubes and fins are mostly exposed to humidity and aggressive salt spray. If there are any signs of leakage or missing/damaged fins, replace the condenser.
“Never ignore soiling and debris that may cover the condenser surface – remove if possible or gently clean the surface. Never use pressure cleaners on the fragile condenser surface. Stubborn soiling that is difficult to remove should result in condenser replacement.
“In addition, eliminate sources of abnormal soiling on the condenser surface, for example, oil leaks from other engine components, like the intercooler, turbo, or the engine. Repair any refrigerant leaks from the couplings. Keep in mind a leaky condenser cannot be repaired, so avoid gluing or using leak-stopping agents. It is also always advisable to replace the condenser whenever the system is diagnosed with AC compressor burnout or seizure.
“Two other associated components should also be considered: the expansion valve and the cooling fan. Should the condenser need to be replaced, so should the expansion valve, and irrespective of the need for the replacement of any of the system’s components, the cooling fan should be checked – wiring/connectors and operational parameters – and replaced if necessary.
“Nissens Automotive is the perfect aftermarket partner for the NEV challenge, as we have decades of aftermarket expertise and a comprehensive product range that reflects the rapid developments in vehicle technology.
“As a result, we have established a wide range of NEV thermal management engine products alongside our highly regarded AC programme, as well as an engine efficiency & emissions parts range. These cater for the majority of makes and models within the European car parc, with the 2025 condenser range, for example, providing for 79% of the European NEV car parc.
“Besides the coverage and the quality, the concept also consists of in-depth technical knowledge shared in various formats and covering multiple needs from ‘fundamentals’ to ‘expert’.”
In addition, all these products are manufactured to Genuine Nissens Quality standards to provide the independent service and repair sector with premium grade replacement components, that deliver trouble-free installation and excellent performance.
Unique Aftermarket Offering
Nissens Automotive’s NEV parts offering now comprises almost 1,000 items for the most popular applications and caters for more than 4,000 OE part numbers. As always, whenever needed, its products come equipped with extra installation parts included, to provide a First Fit solution, and with the company’s established support services like the Experts technical training programme, it shares its knowledge of NEV thermal management systems, including heat pump solutions.
Popular NEV Applications
The NEV range covers the most popular models and includes the battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications highlighted below.
BEV: Audi E-Tron, BMW i3, i4 & iX, Cupra Born, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Ioniq, Kona EV, Kia E-Niro, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Mini Cooper Electric, Peugeot E-208, Polestar 2, Renault Megane EV, Škoda Enyaq, Tesla Model 3, S and X, plus VW ID.7.
HEV: BMW i8, Hyundai Kona and Volvo XC40
However, more than 50 new parts are under development, for among other applications: Dacia Spring, Ford Kuga, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Ev6, Niro, Tesla Y and VW ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5.
To learn more about the Nissens NEV range, click here.
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