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EU-funded project to develop lightweight EV components

Written by Anne-Francoise Pelé for EETIMES Europe – Vehicle electrification has become an important measure for greenhouse gas reduction in Europe. One problem for car manufacturers, however, is the weight of the batteries. A three-year EU-funded research project has been launched to develop lightweight components for electric vehicles (EVs) using eco-design and circular approaches. 

With mounting concern over the environment and ever-stringent emissions regulations, EVs are seen as an alternative form of transportation. “As governments have set aggressive targets to reduce CO2 emissions from mobility, automotive manufacturers have to implement the electrified car model into their fleet in order to avoid some heavy penalties,” explained Milan Rosina, principal analyst, Power Electronics & Batteries at Yole Développement.

EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), especially plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), allow CO2 emission reduction in mobility. With an expected 13 million rechargeable vehicles in 2024, they represent “a very interesting market for power electronic devices,” said Rosina. “Automakers are focusing on large-capacity batteries. They allow higher power for EVs and provide more added-value for the customers.” The driving range indeed increases as battery capacity grows and efficiency improves.

The battery weight can also impact the performance, the economic and environmental benefits of EVs… Full story

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