Betterfrost develops rapid defrost system for EVs

Betterfrost Technology has developed a windshield defrosting system that uses pulsed power to clear ice in 60 seconds while consuming approximately 95% less energy than conventional HVAC-based defrosting, addressing a challenge for electric vehicles that lack waste heat from internal combustion engines. The technology, which emerged from research at Dartmouth College’s Ice, Climate and Environment Lab, works by sending controlled power pulses through low-emissivity conductive coatings on glass to weaken the bond between ice and the surface rather than melting the ice entirely.

The system uses 48V power delivery through Vicor bus converters to deliver pulses to the glass surface. Betterfrost said the approach applies heat evenly, reducing stress that can cause cracking, while lowering cabin heating demands by up to 27% at -20°C, which can extend EV range.

Derrick Redding, Chief Executive of Betterfrost, said: “Vicor makes 48V power delivery easy to derive without excessive size or weight limitations. Nobody else does what they do at that level of efficiency and power density.”

The company is engaging with automakers, tier one suppliers and fleet operators, with early adoption expected in commercial trucks and premium EVs. Betterfrost said it expects to expand automotive deployment in EV and hybrid platforms over the next three to five years.

Source: Betterfrost