Abstract
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries represent a significant growth opportunity for material suppliers due to the size of the component and growth potential of EVs. However, material suppliers have indicated a great deal of uncertainty exists in terms of the market acceptance rate and transition period to EVs. Significant changes in battery technology and the preferred methods of construction of battery cells, modules, and packs are also anticipated. Few available studies have focused on the role adhesives and sealants will play in the future of EV batteries.
The transition from ICEs to EVs will see a combination of powertrain technologies including ICE, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell (FC) vehicles. HEVs are seen as a bridge technology to ease range anxiety as an EV infrastructure is put into place. Since EVs use significantly larger batteries than HEVs, the opportunity for material suppliers grows significantly as the percentage of EVs grows relative to HEVs.
Cost considerations and the lack of charging infrastructure are barriers to consumer acceptance of EVs. Battery technology needs to advance to extend vehicle range and expedite recharging. Advances in battery technology may create changes in operating temperatures or battery cooling systems. All of these factors equate to uncertainty around the engineering requirements and volume of batteries to be produced, which are the primary drivers for the materials of construction, joining, and sealing technologies for EV battery modules and packs.
This multi-client study will provide its participants background information and fact-based strategic criteria for decision making and alternative decision scenarios that are likely to shape adhesive and sealant supply for EV battery enclosures in the future. It will provide an overview of the global opportunity with a focus on the NAFTA region.