Batteries are the key technology for electromobility of the future. Over the next five years, BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) will be investing a three-digit million euro sum in researching, developing and the production of battery materials. In parallel, the company is developing new structural plastic materials and plastic-based heat management solutions for electric vehicles.
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| Plastic solutions can cut more weight out of electric vehicles |
BASF also offers solutions for improving heat management in electric cars. "When the temperatures rise in summer, the car's air conditioner consumes additional energy reducing the vehicles driving range," explains Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Research Executive Director of BASF SE.
When incorporated in interiors and automotive coatings, pigments that reflect the heat-generating infrared rays of sunlight prevent the temperature from getting too high inside the car. And while the combustion engine provides exhaust heat in winter, an electric vehicle consumes electricity to heat the interior. To keep energy consumption low under these conditions, it is necessary to insulate electrical vehicles against the cold with high performance foams. This also increases the car's driving range.
"With our research activities we are substantially contributing to making electric cars affordable, environment friendly and sustainable. For this we need batteries and further innovative components that provide a greater driving range with less weight and lower costs," says Kreimeyer.-[email protected]
