How Silicone Improves Electrical Vehicle Safety
Designed to improve and optimise electrical performance whilst providing protection and sealing performance from the environment, silicone is used in a variety of components for electric vehicles (EVs), including battery safety.
As the popularity of EVs continues to increase, there is an growing demand for silicone sponge solutions that have the capability to improve both range performance and safety of EV systems.
Providing long-lasting environmental sealing and resistance to battery failure, silicone offers excellent sealing performance from moisture and water ingress protecting the electronic components from failure.
EV safety benefits from silicone sponge
Using silicone sponge to optimise EV safety offers a number of benefits, including the following:
- Excellent thermal stability: -60°C to 230°C
- Flame resistance to UL94V0
- Reliable performance
- Continues to perform under harsh conditions
- Resistant to thermal shock, oxidation, moisture and chemicals
- Excellent electrical insulation
All of the benefits above are integral to EV safety and performance.
Electric car battery safety
EV/PHEV manufacturers take safety incredibly seriously and work in line with stringent design regulations, which have been put in place to ensure that electric vehicles are safe to drive and charge.
Although EV battery technology has developed significantly in the last 5 years, safety risks in relation to fire breakout are still a concern due to the batteries experiencing the event of ‘thermal runaway’ where lithium ion cells experience rapid and uncontrollable increases in heat which can potentially result in a fire.
This has resulted in many manufacturers looking for new materials and designs to minimise risks and hazards by using materials such as silicone sponge to improve car battery safety.
✔ Vibration isolation
Preventing shock and vibration in electric vehicles is also a major safety challenge for many EV manufacturers.
Resolving issues with noise, shock and vibration not only paves the way for a smoother and more quieter drive but also makes driving safer for both drivers and passengers alike. Addressing these issues can also help to optimise the longevity of the electric vehicle and its components car.
Silicone sponge is a great vibration damping material that is ideal for helping to optimise both noise and vibration control in EVs – enhancing safety and performance.
✔ Thermal management in electric vehicles
Thermal management in EVs is a critical factor in battery technology with the risk of thermal runaway being ever present. By reducing or removing excessive heat generated by the battery reduces the risk of overheating and worse, the event of thermal runaway.
To ensure that the components do not overheat and jeopardise safety, the thermal energy generated in the electric vehicle must be quickly and effectively dissipated away from the core components.
Due to its heat resistant qualities, wide operating temperature range, and ability to provide thermal stability, silicone sponge can be used to support thermal management in electric vehicles.
Silicone sponge can withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low, with little change to physical properties when exposed to extreme temperatures making it ideal for EV batteries to help seal, insualte and protect critical .
✔ EV charging safety
Silicone can help ensure the safety of EV chargers, protecting charge points from water, dust and moisture ingress and also ensuring the internal elements such as PCBs deliver reliable performance while minimising risks such as overheating and fire.
Not only this but, because silicone offers impressive resistance to the weather and other environmental factors, electric vehicle charging points can be located anywhere.
Silicone is also widely used to insulate EV battery cables, thanks to its insulation and fire-retardant properties. Because silicone can withstand significant temperature variations, the cables can withstand the heat generated by the charger’s high voltage output.
How we can help
Silicone Engineering is a leading provider of high-performing silicone rubber solutions fit for use across a wide range of automotive applications. To find out more about the products we offer please visit the automotive page or please get in touch.