The automotive supplier is using its traditional core expertise in materials, forming and surface technologies in developing both fuel cells and fuel-cell stacks, or metallic bipolar plates.
The automaker says recent research shows many erroneously believe traditional hybrids have to be plugged in, can’t be refueled at a gas station and batteries in electrified vehicles need to be replaced frequently.
Volvo expects the merger of its internal-combustion-engine operations with Chinese parent company Geely will allow it to focus exclusively on development of its all-electric range of vehicles.
Sekisui Chemical hopes to supply an expected growth in demand for high-performance interlayer films and thermal management materials deployed in EVs for lightweighting.
Of the 48V hybrid sales forecast globally for 2019, Europe accounts for 33%. That penetration will rise to 47% in 2024, according to a new Wards Intelligence report, “Power Shift: 48V Takes Hold.”
Initial development will focus on the North American commercial-vehicle market, including working with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles.
