EV vs. ICE: How Automotive Water Pumps are Utilized Differently

Published by Chief Enterprises on Oct 17th 2023

When it comes to engineering a high-performing and efficient vehicle, numerous components must work in harmony—and one of the most crucial among them is the automotive water pump. Though often overlooked, this small yet powerful device plays a vital role in maintaining the temperature—and therefore the longevity—of both internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) systems.

Below, we explore the function of water pumps in traditional combustion engines and modern EV platforms, and why this component remains indispensable to vehicle design.

What is an Automotive Water Pump and What Does It Do?

An automotive water pump is designed to circulate coolant, typically a mixture of water and antifreeze, throughout the engine and radiator. Its main function is to regulate engine temperature, preventing overheating during operation.

In internal combustion engines, the water pump supports a variety of subsystems, including:

  • Engine cooling
  • Heater circuit
  • Auxiliary heater
  • Charge-air cooling
  • Generator and fuel cooling
  • Turbocharger cooling

What About Electric Vehicles?

Although electric vehicles don’t contain an internal combustion engine, they still produce considerable heat from high-voltage components, making thermal management equally important.

In EVs, the water pump serves three primary functions:

  1. Battery Cooling: The pump’s core task in an EV is to cool the high-voltage battery pack. Lithium-ion batteries generate significant heat during charging, discharging, and fast-charging cycles. Without effective cooling, battery life, efficiency, and safety can all be compromised.
  2. Temperature Management: The water pump also plays a key role in maintaining optimal battery temperature. Batteries that run too hot suffer performance degradation, while those that are too cold may see reduced range and slower charging. The pump helps to keep the system within its ideal thermal window.
  3. Climate Control: In many EVs, the water pump is also used in the cabin temperature management system, circulating coolant through heat pumps or electric resistance heaters to provide heating or cooling for passengers.

Chief Enterprises – Bosch Water Pumps for ICE and EV

Chief Enterprises is a trusted supplier of Bosch water pumps, offering both brush motor and brushless motor variants, each designed for high durability and performance.

Pump Features:

  • Pump impeller is mechanically isolated from the motor to eliminate wear
  • Magnetic coupling prevents leaks between impeller and motor
  • Stainless steel impeller shaft for enhanced longevity
  • O-ring sealed housing for leak prevention
  • Standard ¾" (19mm) inlet/outlet for simplified integration

Brush Motor Features:

  • Service life of up to 5,000 hours
  • IP5K4-rated housing for environmental protection
  • Optional rubber mounting for vibration dampening
  • Built-in electronic suppression

Brushless Motor Features:

  • Up to ⅓ the length of brushed motors
  • Approximately ½ the weight of brushed alternatives
  • Extended lifespan of up to 20,000 hours
  • Higher efficiency and quieter operation

For more information on Bosch water pumps or support in selecting the ideal pump for your application, contact Chief Enterprises or visit our webstore to explore availability and pricing.