Japanese general chemical manufacturers are accelerating their proposals for parts for EVs. Asahi Kasei is aiming for mass production of battery cover products by 2025. Sumitomo Chemical plans to use parts made from recycled polypropylene and wood in the next 25 to 30 years. The Mitsubishi Chemical Group is also aiming to expand the use of resin parts. This is expected to accelerate the full-scale introduction of EVs by Japanese automakers after 2025, and aims to stimulate demand as a material that is lightweight and environmentally friendly.
Asahi Kasei is proposing Rensen, a material that combines glass fiber fabric and polyamide resin, for battery covers. We are working with processing manufacturers to propose products that meet the needs of car manufacturers, and are aiming for mass production by 2025.
Conventionally, steel and aluminum were used as materials for battery covers, but by using Asahi Kasei’s new materials, it is possible to reduce the weight by consolidating parts and functions around the battery cover. In addition to that, it also ensures durability.
Asahi Kasei is also proposing an amplifier unit “Engine Sound Creator” that can reproduce the engine sound of a sports car in an EV. In China, it has been adopted in some areas, but in Japan, we are aiming to adopt it in anticipation of a full-fledged EV shift from around 2025.
Sumitomo Chemical also plans to use wood fiber reinforced recycled polypropylene developed in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry in 25 to 30 years. By combining polypropylene collected from the market with wood that has been systematically planted or felled, we propose automobile parts that contribute to the environment. It also contributes to weight reduction and emphasizes features such as wood grain in terms of design. We will promote adoption not only for EVs but also for smartphone cases.
The Mitsubishi Chemical Group has developed an acoustic metamaterial sound insulation and damping sheet “RESOCORE” that contributes to the reduction of road noise, etc., and plans to contribute to the expansion of EV demand by using high heat dissipation insulating resin sheets.
Among Japanese automakers, Toyota Motor Corporation plans to introduce 10 EV models to the market by 2026, aiming for annual sales of 1.5 million units. is expected. Chemical manufacturers are working to propose products that meet needs such as weight reduction and environmental load reduction.
more info:
https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/technology/glass_fiber/
https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/automotive/new-products/04.html
https://mcc-ams.com/products/41/