Coolant and Brake Fluid Type

[SichuanHot]

Is there any word on what kind of coolant and brake fluid will be used? Hopefully the coolant system is easy to DIY every 3 years or so. DOT 4 LV brake fluid should be the standard though with regen, wet boiling point specs shouldn't be too big of a concern.

 

[KJRaven]

Is there any word on what kind of coolant and brake fluid will be used? Hopefully the coolant system is easy to DIY every 3 years or so. DOT 4 LV brake fluid should be the standard though with regen, wet boiling point specs shouldn't be too big of a concern.

the data sheet for the drive motor that looks to be the one slate is using (https://www.slateforums.com/forum/t...gwarner-in-slate-prototype-video.13170/)calls for a 50-50 mix of water and Ethylene Glycol for both the motor and inverter (https://www.cascadiamotion.com/idm-190.html)... so it is your typical green very basic coolant, I would assume that the battery would use the same coolant if it is water cooled.
you are likely going to need a vacuum filler to purge the air out if you were to DIY it.

 

[SichuanHot]

the data sheet for the drive motor that looks to be the one slate is using (https://www.slateforums.com/forum/t...gwarner-in-slate-prototype-video.13170/)calls for a 50-50 mix of water and Ethylene Glycol for both the motor and inverter (https://www.cascadiamotion.com/idm-190.html)... so it is your typical green very basic coolant, I would assume that the battery would use the same coolant if it is water cooled.
you are likely going to need a vacuum filler to purge the air out if you were to DIY it.

50/50 is pretty typical for most cars. I guess I'm more curious about the type of coolant like a HOAT, OAT, or IAT. One thing I hate doing is messing with coolant changes. They're always so messy unless using a Venturi valve, which I conveniently have.

 

[KJRaven]

50/50 is pretty typical for most cars. I guess I'm more curious about the type of coolant like a HOAT, OAT, or IAT. One thing I hate doing is messing with coolant changes. They're always so messy unless using a Venturi valve, which I conveniently have.

yep, coolant changes are messy! Hopefully they use a long life coolant that we dont need to mess with for 10+ years. One of the reasons im excited about EVs is because of the reduced maintenance, so the less I need to do to maintain this truck the better!

 

[Dorbiman]

If the radiator has a petcock or a downward facing drain plug, coolant drain and fills are no messier than an oil change. Last one I did didn't get a drop of coolant on the ground.

It's when you're really opening up the system (removing hoses, thermostat housings, pulling radiators, etc) that stuff really gets messy imo

 

[Dorbiman]

I would think draining and filling an EV battery cooling system is complicated and probably needs a manufacturer-based service software tool to operate the various valve bodies in the system to fully drain and fill the system.

It definitely depends. I’ve serviced BEV coolant systems on HD trucks. Some do, some dont

 

[Ronnie]

I see limited slip differential in the specs, that would be great! On coolant the heavy duty truck stuff is good for 15 years. Would be nice if that is what is used.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Slate is using JJE motors, not Cascadia Motion, and this one matches the specs.
https://en.jjeglobal.com/product/68.html

 

[phidauex]

Slate is using JJE motors, not Cascadia Motion, and this one matches the specs.
https://en.jjeglobal.com/product/68.html

Yea, I think the Borg Warner news is old, JJE appears to be going into the real vehicles. I have borg warner IDMs on my MachE, and no complaints, but I'm sure Slate had to look hard to hit a price/drive ratio/power target.

 

[phidauex]

50/50 is pretty typical for most cars. I guess I'm more curious about the type of coolant like a HOAT, OAT, or IAT. One thing I hate doing is messing with coolant changes. They're always so messy unless using a Venturi valve, which I conveniently have.

JJE doesn't seem to specific on their coolant spec, so it will probably be driven by other components. My guess is a POAT or HOAT, and that they will specify 200k mi service life (Ford uses a P-OAT coolant in their EVs). It is easy to get long service lives on EV coolants, you don't need as many additives because you aren't combating the combustion byproducts, or dealing with cavitation on high power pumps.

 

[JustChris]

One of the reasons im excited about EVs is because of the reduced maintenance, so the less I need to do to maintain this truck the better!

Totally agree. I'm very excited to do mods and upgrades-That's the fun part! There are very few car people who look forward to the routine maintenance. Almost nobody wakes up excited to change the oil in an ICE.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

>> One of the reasons im excited about EVs is because of the reduced maintenance

I remember way back on the Bolt forum, members were asking the GM dealership, "When do I need to have it serviced". And the dealers answered "never". I know, that's overstated. But aside from the pack replacment, the Bolt owners I personally know love that low-maintenance aspect of their rides.