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These materials ensure a major reduction in vehicle weight, which extends battery life. They are also in line with the circular economy due to their recyclability.

Currently made of stainless steel and aluminium, li-ion battery modules are big and heavy: they account for from 20% to 30% of vehicle weight.

Begoña Galindo, AIMPLAS Sustainable and Future Mobility Group Leader said: “In general, 73% of vehicle weight corresponds to the metal components. Thermoset composites are therefore a lightweight alternative for battery casings. However, their recyclability and production rate work against them. For this reason, thermoplastic composites represent a good alternative.”

Thermoplastic composites have become a trend in vehicle weight reduction for several reasons other than their reduced weight: mechanical resistance, adaptability to different manufacturing processes, short manufacturing cycles, ability to be combined with other materials, weldability, easy recyclability and adaptability to the circular economy.