11 stories tagged materials on EV Digest.
Dow has launched its VOLTRICELL platform, a new suite of specialized materials including binders, dispersants, and additives designed to improve electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing and performance. These innovations target not only current battery technologies but also next-generation advancements like sodium-ion, silicon-anode, and solid-state chemistries, aiming for greater efficiency and power.
Italian compounder LATI is introducing a specialized line of engineering thermoplastics designed to enhance the performance and safety of electrified vehicles. These materials address critical needs such as thermal management, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and flame retardancy, crucial for components like battery packs and power electronics.
Japanese chemical giant Asahi Kasei has unveiled a novel lithium pre-doping technology aimed at enhancing the performance of silicon-rich lithium-ion batteries. By integrating lithium carbonate into the cathode, the innovation significantly mitigates the permanent capacity loss typically experienced during the cell's initial charge-discharge cycle, a critical step for improving EV range and durability.
Mactac has introduced CleanTape® FR, a line of non-halogenated adhesive tapes designed to enhance fire safety in EV battery packs. These specialized tapes aim to help manufacturers address critical engineering and assembly challenges while meeting stringent safety standards for electric vehicles.
Effective insulation is critical for the long-term reliability and safety of electric vehicles, particularly as manufacturers push the boundaries of performance and design. This involves moving beyond basic data sheet comparisons to thoroughly evaluate materials and systems under real-world operating conditions, ensuring they can withstand the rigorous demands of EV applications.
As electric vehicle adoption surges, the focus on battery safety is paramount. Mactac has introduced CleanTape® FR, a new line of non-halogenated flame-retardant adhesive tapes designed to help manufacturers boost EV battery pack safety. These tapes also aim to address critical engineering and assembly challenges within the rapidly evolving EV industry.
BMW's 'Car2Car' project demonstrates significant progress in automotive circularity, successfully recovering 51% of materials like steel, aluminum, and copper from end-of-life vehicles for reuse. While these metals are proving highly recyclable, the initiative highlights ongoing challenges in reclaiming plastics and glass for new car production. This effort aims to reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing and bolster sustainable supply chains.
German manufacturer Wevo-Chemie has unveiled WEVOSIL 26040 FL, a new thermally conductive silicone gap filler engineered for highly compact EV components. This material is designed to fill extremely small spaces, essential for optimizing thermal management in high-voltage battery packs and power electronics. Its application is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and longevity of electric vehicle systems.
SABIC has launched two new polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) compounds specifically engineered for insulating high-voltage power modules in electric vehicles. These materials, LNP THERMOCOMP OFM76XXP and OFM76EXP, are designed to support 800V and higher traction inverters, facilitating faster charging and overall enhanced EV performance.
Volkswagen's battery subsidiary, PowerCo, has partnered with OCSiAl, making them a key supplier of single-wall carbon nanotubes for its innovative Unified Cell battery platform. These advanced nanotubes will be integrated into the anodes of PowerCo's batteries, enhancing conductivity and overall performance. The collaboration aims to bolster the development of next-generation EV batteries at PowerCo's German facility.
Major automotive manufacturers like Ferrari and BMW are increasingly adopting aluminum wiring in their electric vehicles, moving away from traditional copper. This strategic pivot, following a trend set by Tesla and Chinese automakers, aims to reduce both vehicle weight and production costs—critical factors in EV manufacturing.
