Lightweight Materials to Break EV Mileage Barrier feature at Aluminium China and Lightweight Asia

To meet the need to increase the driving mileage of Electrical Vehicles (EVs), Aluminium China and its sister show Lightweight Asia in July, held in Shanghai by Reed Exhibitions, will showcase leading auto-aluminium brands committed to reducing the weight of next-generation EVs.

While it is predicted that by 2020, the annual output of EVs in China alone will reach 2.42 million with 244 different models, representing an annual growth rate of 41%, ‘mileage concern’ still puts off many potential consumers. With current lithium battery sets, the average-cost EVs can be driven for only 100km.

Reducing the weight of EVs is the best way to break the mileage barrier and motivate consumers to adopt them in greater numbers. It is estimated that for every 100kg saved, an EV can increase its mileage by 10-11%, reduce its battery cost by 20% and save 20% daily worn-out costs. And the most important factor to achieve so-called lightweighting is through developing light materials.

Aluminium and composite materials look set to be the most important lightweight materials to be used on cars. In 2016, SAE-China released its energy efficiency and EV roadmap, which indicated that the average car weight will be reduced by 20% by 2025, with an average usage of aluminium alloy of 250kg per car and carbon fiber accounting for 2% of car weight.

The use of aluminium alloys helps to reduce car weight by 30-50% compared with steel, while also ensuring strength and robustness. Aluminium alloy parts are easy to replace, resistant to rusting, adapt to processing, production and repairs, and are easy to be recycled. All these features simplify processes and reduce costs, reflected in the growing use of aluminium alloys by companies such as Tesla, BMW and Audi along with Chinese car makers including BYD, JAC and BAIC.

In its 15th year, Aluminium China and Lightweight Asia from 10-12 July in Shanghai, will feature companies such as Constellium, Novelis and Nikkeikin. Constellium provides world-leading aluminium sheets, alloy materials and processing technologies for key auto parts, specialising in inner and outer alloys, anti-crash alloys, auto structure and high-strength impact absorption materials.

Novelis is a leading international aluminium product supplier for the likes of Jaguar I-Pace and Nio ES8, but is also the biggest aluminium recycling company. At Aluminium China, Novelis will share insights into its latest aluminium products used in the Jaguar XEL, Audi A6L and Faraday Future FF91.

In addition to global companies, Aluminium China and Lightweight Asia will provide a showcase for leading Chinese aluminium suppliers, including Chalco (Aluminium Corporation of China) Alnan, PMI, Kam Kiu, Giant, Hoshion, Mingtai, Qianliang and Runhua.

Focus on Composites

Apart from aluminium alloys, composites also offer advantages over traditional metal materials, being light, strong and erosion resistant. With a focus on weight, safety, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, auto manufacturing industry is keen to harness the high-performance features and adaptability of new composites.

At Lightweight Asia, Shandong Shuangyi Technology, a leading composite turnkey solution provider in China, will demonstrate its LFT-D glass-fiber reinforced composite cell shell, which is 45% lighter than traditional metal made materials. This ensures lightweight and high strength at the same time, offering a major new option for lightweight EV design.

Grad Group, another composite supplier, is building on its space technology and defense industry expertise to develop new long-fiber reinforced composites that provide battery cells with lightweight and high strength. At Lightweight Asia, lithium batteries using fiber reinforced composite shells will be on display as well as other material including RTM, SMC, LFT-D composites and other related products.

Over 600 companies will be featuring their latest auto lightweight materials, processing technologies and solutions at Aluminium China and Lightweight Asia from 10 to 12 July in Shanghai. International visitors can obtain VIP tickets, free-of-charge business matchmaking and local factory visits provided by organiser Reed Exhibitions, by signing up at the official website. www.aluminiumchina.com/en or www.lightweightasia.com/en