Introduction
The rapid acceleration of electric vehicle (EV) adoption is fueling significant growth in supporting industries—chief among them, the electric vehicle coolants market. As thermal management becomes increasingly critical for battery performance, safety, and longevity, numerous players are competing to develop advanced coolant solutions. This article provides a competitive analysis of the market and highlights top companies to watch as innovation and demand reshape the landscape.
Understanding the Competitive Landscape
The EV coolants market is characterized by:
Intense innovation-driven competition
Strategic OEM partnerships
Growing focus on eco-friendly and high-performance formulations
Entry of niche players specializing in EV-specific fluids
Companies are differentiating themselves through technological advancements, geographic expansion, and sustainability initiatives.
Top Companies to Watch in the EV Coolants Market
1. BASF SE
Headquarters: Germany
Strengths: Innovation, sustainability, OEM partnerships
BASF is a global leader in chemical solutions and offers a range of EV-specific coolants under its Glysantin® brand. Known for high-performance and long-life coolants, BASF is partnering with automakers to develop custom formulations that align with electric powertrain requirements. The company is also investing in bio-based and low-carbon footprint alternatives.
2. TotalEnergies
Headquarters: France
Strengths: Wide product portfolio, sustainability focus, aftermarket presence
TotalEnergies is actively expanding its fluids business for hybrid and electric mobility. Its Quartz EV Fluid line includes advanced coolants designed for thermal and electrical safety. With an emphasis on eco-friendly formulations and global distribution networks, TotalEnergies is well-positioned in both OEM and aftermarket segments.
3. Arteco
Headquarters: Belgium
Strengths: EV thermal expertise, R&D partnerships, OEM alignment
A joint venture between Chevron and TotalEnergies, Arteco is focused on cooling and heat transfer fluids. The company has developed products specifically for electric drivetrains, including low-viscosity and non-toxic coolants. Arteco’s close collaboration with automakers and system designers makes it a key player in EV thermal innovation.
4. Lubrizol Corporation
Headquarters: United States
Strengths: Dielectric coolant technology, immersion cooling, global reach
A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Lubrizol is a frontrunner in advanced material science. The company is developing dielectric coolants for battery and electronic component cooling, particularly in high-voltage and high-performance EVs. Its immersion cooling solutions are gaining traction in EV and data center applications.
5. Valvoline Inc.
Headquarters: United States
Strengths: Aftermarket dominance, brand trust, multi-vehicle solutions
Valvoline is expanding its electric and hybrid vehicle fluid lines, offering coolants compatible with a variety of EV platforms. With strong distribution in the aftermarket and service sector, the company is addressing rising demand from aging EV fleets and independent service providers.
6. 3M Company
Headquarters: United States
Strengths: Innovation in immersion cooling, thermal fluids for power electronics
3M is pioneering non-conductive immersion fluids used in EV battery cooling systems. These solutions offer excellent thermal conductivity while maintaining safety in high-voltage environments. 3M’s reputation for precision and chemical engineering makes it a top innovator in the sector.
7. Engineered Fluids
Headquarters: United States
Strengths: Specialized immersion cooling, rapid innovation, niche expertise
Engineered Fluids is a startup focusing solely on safe, non-toxic dielectric fluids for EVs and energy storage systems. While smaller than its multinational competitors, its focus and technical edge in immersion cooling make it a standout in high-performance applications.
Emerging Players and Regional Competitors
In addition to global giants, several regional and emerging companies are shaping the EV coolant space:
FUCHS Petrolub SE (Germany): Developing sustainable and high-efficiency EV coolants.
Petronas Lubricants (Malaysia): Expanding its Iona EV fluid line in Asia-Pacific markets.
Afton Chemical (U.S.): Investing in hybrid and EV fluid additive technologies.
These players are using strategic collaborations and R&D investments to strengthen their position.
Competitive Strategies Observed
1. OEM Collaborations
Most top companies are pursuing direct relationships with automakers to co-develop cooling fluids optimized for specific EV models and battery systems.
2. Product Diversification
Brands are offering multi-functional coolant solutions—addressing not only batteries but also electric motors, inverters, and onboard chargers.
3. Sustainability Focus
Eco-friendly coolants that are biodegradable, recyclable, or derived from renewable sources are becoming a key market differentiator.
4. Technology Licensing and Patents
Larger firms are strengthening their IP portfolios to protect proprietary formulations and thermal technologies, especially in immersion cooling and nanofluid development.
Conclusion
The electric vehicle coolants market is evolving into a high-tech, innovation-intensive space where thermal efficiency, safety, and sustainability are non-negotiable. From chemical giants like BASF and TotalEnergies to fast-moving specialists like Engineered Fluids, a wide range of companies are competing for market share in both OEM and aftermarket segments.
As EV adoption surges globally, these top players—driven by R&D, strategic partnerships, and green technologies—are the ones to watch in shaping the next generation of EV thermal management solutions.
