FEV has partnered with Impression Technologies (ITL), a specialist in aluminium metal, to develop an innovative battery housing concept for electric vehicles (EVs) that promises to optimally utilise the space available for energy storage. This has been achieved through the use of âHFQ technologyâ, which allows for the relocation of structurally relevant components to the outside and the integration of the battery housing into the overall vehicle.
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The resulting âexoskeletonâ for battery housing creates space for additional battery cells, which can translate into more range for EVs. Alternatively, the battery itself can become smaller while maintaining the same range. According to FEV, the new approach keeps the loads occurring in the event of a crash away from the installation space used for the battery cells, while optimising the rigidity of the overall system (battery and bodyshell).
To achieve this, complex structures with small radii and draft angles are required, and this is where ITL’s HFQ technology comes into play. The technology expands the partners’ portfolio of manufacturing technologies for new developments, enabling them to implement more complex structures compared to cold forming technologies. The use of high-strength aluminium alloys, combined with the HFQ process, ultimately delivers the required performance in optimised installation space, according to Christian KĂŒrten, head of vehicle architecture at FEV Vehicle.
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The concept developed by FEV and ITL will be manufactured and presented as a demonstrator in the coming months. This exciting development has the potential to revolutionise the design of battery housings for EVs and help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency in energy storage, ultimately delivering better performance and longer ranges for electric vehicles.
