Novelis Inc., Atlanta, reports that it has developed an aluminum-sheet battery enclosure for electric vehicles that is designed for all battery cell types. Built with Novelis Advanz aluminum products and part of the Novelis Alumineering Solution portfolio, a collection of design solutions for the automotive industry, the enclosure is up to 50 percent lighter than an equivalent steel design.
As a result, it matches the best energy density in the industry by enabling more than 160 watt-hours per kilogram, an extremely efficient design for OEMs and Tier 1 battery pack manufacturers. It also can accommodate all battery cell types and is designed particularly for battery electric vehicles with larger power packs such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and crossovers. For mass production electric vehicles, Novelis’ aluminum sheet design is the most cost-effective solution when compared to aluminum extrusion and casting-intense designs.
By utilizing Novelis’ highly-formable alloys, the battery enclosure provides automakers the ability to achieve deep drawn, complex shapes tailored to specific vehicle design requirements. The lightweight, high-strength material can help extend range, allowing vehicles to go six to ten percent further on a single charge. With safety as a top priority, Novelis conducted extensive testing simulations to ensure its innovative, high-strength materials will protect batteries from road debris and vehicle crashes.
The design incorporates direct feedback from industry partners as well as automotive design engineers. It also leverages the inherent benefits of aluminum being more corrosion-resistant, easily recyclable, and having better thermal conductivity, which helps keep battery cells cool and increases its lifespan as compared to steel designs.
