Composites
Changing dynamics– developing the next generation of vehicle architectures
Building electric vehicles has demanded big changes in OEM production operations and increased support from tier suppliers
The co-evolution of EVs, architectures and production processes
Electric vehicles are reshaping manufacturing norms, from platform flexibility to crash protection systems, challenging traditional designs and material choices amidst evolving battery technologies. ArcelorMittal and Gestamp dive into challenges and solutions.
Is sodium-ion the future of battery tech? - Stellantis Ventures all-in on Tiamat
France’s Tiamat has taken the spotlight with its advanced sodium-ion battery cell chemistry, awarded by Stellantis for its potential to offer a lower cost per kWh and an eco-friendly alternative to lithium-ion. Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of automotive giant Stellantis N.V., has recently announced strategic investment in Tiamat, signaling a strong belief in the sodium-ion technology’s potential.
The state and stipulation of automotive production: Retrospect 2023 to prospect 2024
In 2023, the automotive industry underwent a transformative journey, adapting to trends such as sustainable materials, electric vehicle dominance and digitalisation. But what clues does 2023 provide about the vehicle manufacturing landscape in 2024?
Additive manufacturing and simulation technologies: an agile and resilient powerhouse in engine development
Punch Torino elevates automotive engine production through collaboration with Markforged, a leader in additive manufacturing. This partnership fuels the creation of 3D-printed tools, including camshaft locking tools and simulation technology. By tackling crucial challenges and streamlining design iterations, the partnership achieves enhanced efficiency, cuts costs and contributes to the promotion of sustainable mobility within the automotive industry. Here’s how…
New materials drive electric motor development
Original equipment manufacturers need electric motors that are more energy-efficient and power-dense than those currently available
Battery production and design need to be optimised together, says Volvo Trucks and ABB
Experts from the truckmaker and automation specialist pointed to the benefits of aligning battery engineering and production processes in an AMS livestream.
Ford partners with EcoPro BM and SK On to build cathode plant in North America bolstering EV SC in region
The new plant marks Ford’s first investment in the region and is part of the OEMs wider objective of localising key battery raw materials processing operations in closer proximity to its EV production hubs.
GM announces $60m Series B investment in AI-powered battery materials trailblazer Mitra Chem
GM and Mitra Chem will work together to develop “advanced iron-based cathode active materials (CAM), like lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), to power affordable and accessible EV batteries compatible with GM’s EV propulsion architecture, the Ultium Platform.”
Shaping the future – Developing electric vehicle architectures
In our AMS Evolution Livestream experts from ArcelorMittal and Gestamp tackle EV production challenges and explain how digital tools, new technologies, processes and materials innovations could help solve some key issues
Form and function: Developing production processes and structures for electric vehicle architectures
The new electric vehicle architectures are also continuing to evolve as vehicle makers strive to find the optimum balance between platform flexibility, while also being viable for high-volume production. To get some insights in to this ongoing process AMS spoke with Paul Belanger, Gestamp’s R&D Director for North America
Re-evaluating recycled materials
Carmakers are increasingly looking into ways of reducing the environmental impact of their vehicle manufacture – and one way to do this is by using more recycled materials in their cars. But how can they go about this?
Magna to build new battery enclosures facility in Canada to support Ford F-150 Lightning production
The company will also manufacture battery enclosures for GM’s Silverado EV in St. Clair, Michigan, adding to existing battery enclosure production for the Hummer EV
Mercedes looks to chemical recycling to further develop circular manufacturing operations
The carmaker says it is working to increase the proportion of recycled materials in its car fleet to an average of 40% by 2030
3D printing: a step closer to mainstream production
New technologies and materials create more opportunities for additive manufacturing in automotive applications
After tailpipes, auto industry ponders CO2 purge from its materials
Volvo, Polestar and SSAB ponder how to wring out CO2 from materials now that the internal combustion engine’s fate is virtually sealed.
Watch: New magic in the dark art of lightweighting
Ignacio, Jérôme and Prof. Volk explain the magic behind the art of lighweighting all whilst factoring in cost, performance, safety concerns and the impact on manufacturing process.
Megacasting: a chance to rethink body manufacturing
The aluminium die-casting process could revolutionise body construction. Professor Wolfram Volk, the department head for forming technology and casting at the Technical University of Munich, explains the advantages and disadvantages of so-called ‘mega’- or ‘gigacasting’.
Stress test: new modelling approach for component fatigue testing
The development of lightweight structures and components for electric vehicles has created a demand for more comprehensive and modern test-and-measurement processes to evaluate component fatigue and service life. Lucia Barbu, research professor and project coordinator at Fatigue4light gives insight into the challenges and solutions