Electric vehicles are having their moment. After years of technology and production improvements, EVs are finally making inroads into the mass market. Price points are competitive and demand is soaring. We are proud to be helping the automotive industry make the transition to electric vehicles. Below are several ways that Baytech Plastics supports electric vehicle manufacturers.
A Lightweight Manufacturing Option
Electric vehicles are valued as a more climate-friendly alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. But those advantages come at a cost. Specifically, a weight cost. EV batteries are larger and much heavier than the batteries used in gas-powered autos; they are over 1,000 pounds at the low end. The extra weight can impact fuel efficiency and drain batteries faster so automakers are always experimenting with ways to reduce overall vehicle weight to offset the heavy batteries.
These “lightweighting” efforts are one of the primary areas in which Baytech Plastics supports electric vehicle manufacturers.
How Baytech Plastics Supports Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
Where does vehicle lightweighting take place and what role do plastics manufacturers play in it?
- Materials Usage. Replacing metal components with lighter-weight materials in cars and trucks has been going on for decades. Fiberglass is still a popular alternative to metal auto bodies, but plastics have been used to replace steel and aluminum in many areas as well, including battery casings.
- Baytech has been partnering with automakers for many years to develop new and innovative ways to use plastic components as an alternative to metals. Our design engineers are constantly generating ideas and working closely with our clients to try new concepts and designs.
- Battery Components. As more and more EVs hit the market, demand for safe, powerful, and effective batteries only increases.
- Baytech and our automotive partners are using plastics in battery casings, as mentioned above, and are testing new uses for plastics in other battery components such as in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs).
- Design Considerations. Plastics provide nearly unlimited design options given the flexible nature of the materials. Not only does plastic reduce the weight of individual vehicle parts, but when used in the designs of the vehicles, aerodynamics can be improved to reduce drag and drain on the battery.
- Baytech’s professional design and prototyping services allow automakers to experiment with new designs and test them for effectiveness and aesthetics before investing in a large production run.
- Plastics are strong, able to withstand temperature changes, and can insulate electrical components. All of these features improve EV charging safety. The specialized connectors and cables must be durable, weather-resistant, and non-conductive.
- Baytech Plastics has and continues to design, produce, and improve the specialized charging components needed to keep vehicles running and drivers safe.
How Can Baytech Help You Meet Your EV Goals?
The use of plastics in electric vehicles provides safety and aesthetic improvements while also driving down costs. Baytech’s streamlined services, from design through to production, are helping to make EVs more affordable and accessible to consumers at all price points. Our long history as a trusted plastics manufacturing partner has automakers all around the world turning to us for help making the transition to electric vehicles.
Contact us to learn how Baytech Plastics can support you and your EV needs by calling (705) 526-7801 or contacting us online.