MULTI-CLIENT STUDY PROPOSAL
Materials for EV Battery Enclosures
Research Proposal
March 2019
Abstract
Electric vehicle (EV) battery enclosures 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, transition period to EVs, and battery technology, all of which will be factors in material selection for battery enclosures. Few available studies have focused on the candidate materials for this emerging application and the considerations for their selection.
The global light vehicle market sits upon the precipice of a shift in powertrain technology from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles, but a great deal of uncertainty exists in the timing and magnitude of that change. 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 material selection in EV battery enclosures.
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.
EV battery enclosures are currently manufactured from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, thermoset, and thermoplastic composites and resins. These materials compete for each application based on a combination of engineering and economic considerations, such as the ability to meet component requirements for electrical and fire safety, strength, weight, toughness, thermal management, and other criteria at a competitive cost. Both fixed and variable costs must be considered in a cost comparison, and sensitivity to manufacturing volume is a key consideration in a material cost analysis.
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 material supply for EV battery enclosures in the future. It will provide an overview of the global opportunity with a focus on global multi-national OEMs.
Study Content
This multi-client study will provide participants with a global outlook of the magnitude of the opportunity for material supply for EV battery enclosures and relative cost competitiveness of candidate materials with a focus on opportunities with global multi-national OEMs. It will provide a sensitivity on EV adoption rates and implications to the economics of material selection and battery technology, as well as signposts to watch for as material suppliers make decisions on if and how to pursue this application.
The study will identify the supply chain for EV batteries and enclosures, and explore the relationships of material selection decision makers and influencers throughout. It will examine technological and economic barriers and drivers to several candidate materials and determine the materials likely to be selected under different scenarios including adoption rate and battery technology.
The study will include:
• An examination of the material selection drivers for EV battery enclosures
• Scenario analysis of EV adoption rate and technology
• Identification of the supply chain of EV batteries and enclosures to light vehicle OEMs
• Drivers and barriers for the use of steel, aluminum, thermoset, and thermoplastic materials
• Materials of choice under different battery technology and adoption rate scenarios
Methodology
The study will be developed through a combination of desk research and primary data collection through interviews with a number of market participants and thought leaders in the supply chain. This will include light vehicle OEMs along with suppliers of EV batteries, components, parts, and raw materials. The study will draw on this research in concert with the expertise of Industrial Market Insight and its partners and affiliates, in automotive material selection.
Who Should Participate in this Study
This study will appeal to all members of the EV battery enclosure supply chain, such as battery manufacturers, suppliers of stamped or cast metal parts and components, plastic and composite molders, and manufacturers of raw materials and additives, such as steel, aluminum, thermoplastic and thermoset resins, and performance modifiers. Suppliers of manufacturing equipment and processing aids, such as die makers and release agents may also have an interest in the study.
Participating companies will have the opportunity to provide input on the project scope during the kickoff event and will be offered an interactive presentation of the findings at the project conclusion. This presentation my be on-line or in-person, at the agreement of Industrial Market Insight and participating company. Additional fees and expenses may apply for in-person presentations.
Study Deliverables
Each participating organization will be provided a comprehensive report in Powerpoint format including the information described above. In addition, the study will commence with a kick-off meeting designed to gain participant input regarding the work plan. Upon the study’s completion, participating organizations will be provided an interactive presentation of the study’s results.
Project Schedule & Fees
Kickoff: Q1/Q2 2019
Targeted completion: Q3/Q4 2019