Briefs: Powering and Cooling EVs, AI Data Centers, and More

Electric vehicles and AI data centers have two commonalities: they need power and cooling. Mercedes-Benz is ensuring power for its EVs through a massive battery supply deal with LG Energy. Additionally, Siemens and nVent are partnering to develop power systems and cooling for Nvidia data centers.

Meanwhile, Allye Energy is focusing on flexible energy storage systems, including charging, for construction EVs. Stellantis has turned its attention to EV battery fires by patenting a thermal runaway suppression system. Managing and planning for these power electronic needs may be easier with Envelio’s intelligent Grid Connection Navigator.

Electric vehicles, batteries, and data centers. Adapted from images used courtesy of Siemens and LGES

Mercedes-Benz Taps LG Energy for $1.4B Battery Supply Deal

Mercedes-Benz has signed $1.4 billion, seven-year agreement with South Korea-based LG Energy Solution (LGES) for electric vehicle batteries. The deal will run from March 2028 to June 2035.

The companies did not specify the battery type. However, LGES has been producing lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries. The automaker uses mostly LFP batteries in its EVs but is testing Factorial’s solid-state batteries in its EQS model.

Mercedes-Benz with LGES batteries. Image used courtesy of LGES

Mercedes-Benz has made two previous deals with LGES. Last October, the companies agreed to 50.5 GWh of batteries, enough to power 630,000 EVs. In September, they signed two agreements totaling $11 billion for 75 GWh and 32 GWh. These deals were reportedly for LGES’ next-generation cylindrical 46 series batteries.

Siemens and nVent Partner for Architecture for Nvidia Data Centers

Siemens is collaborating with nVent to develop cooling and power infrastructure for hyperscale AI data centers. The project will involve large-scale, liquid-cooled AI infrastructure, purpose-built for data centers such as Nvidia’s 100 MW GB200 NLV72 system.

The Tier 111-capable architecture will integrate Nvidia’s reference designs, nVent’s liquid cooling technology, and Siemens’ industrial-grade electrical and automation systems.

Data center. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Allye Adds Larger Energy Storage Systems for Construction EVs

Allye Energy has launched the Max500 battery energy storage system with its largest purchase order to date. The company will supply five Max500 units, each providing 500 kWh, to Vital Power Group for use with electric vehicles used in construction.

The Max500 mobile system integrates DC fast charging and can operate independently or supplement grid energy. The units also enable mobile-to-mobile charging and can be transported and deployed quickly.

Allye Energy’s battery energy systems for construction use. Image used courtesy of Allye Energy

Allye Energy’s portfolio now offers four products ranging from 300 kWh to 1.5 MWh systems. In all battery energy storage units, Allye uses repurposed second-life EV battery packs.

Stellantis Patents Foam-Based Thermal Runaway Suppression for EV Battery Packs

Stellantis has secured a patent for a fire-suppression system designed to stop EV batteries from experiencing thermal runaway. Built into EV battery packs, the system uses a fire-retardant foam to prevent the heat from spreading among the cells.

Sensors continuously monitor the battery cells for heat spikes that indicate thermal runaway. In “emergency mode,” the system punctures the cooling lines or heat sinks and a flexible bladder containing fire-retardant chemicals. The two liquids mix to form a foam that covers the battery cells and absorbs the heat. The system can control the speed and pressure to provide as much foam as needed.

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Drawing from patent documents. Patent publication US 2025/0372750

Stellantis is the parent company of Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram.

Envelio Adds Grid Connection Navigator to Intelligent Grid Platform

Envelio has enhanced its Intelligent Grid Platform with a Grid Connection Navigator (GCN) application to allow project developers and utilities to streamline the interconnection process for renewable energy, distributed energy resources, electric vehicle charging, and more.

The GCN enables users to identify sites, evaluate grid capacity, and project estimated construction sites with an interactive grid-capacity map. The data automatically and continuously updates based on the latest calculations, including power-flow-based capacity. It also considers seasonal and time-series-based hosting capacities, which can be crucial for planning battery energy storage and EV charging systems.

The Grid Connection Navigator. Image used courtesy of Envelio

The GCN is available in North America. Users can embed the GCN into the platform through the self-service area and use it immediately. Envelio’s other interconnection apps include the Grid Connection Study and the Online Connection Check.