According to the official news released by SGL Carbon on January 21, the company is currently expanding production by introducing a new production process based on carbon fiber composite materials, and announced that it will expand its business in Akadelphia, Arkansas, USA.
SGL Carbon is a supplier of professional CFRP solutions for the automotive, construction and other industries. In January 2020, the company won a large order for composite battery housings from North American automakers. In order to meet business needs, the US company is hereby expanded.
As an important part of the electric vehicle chassis platform, the battery box usually takes up most of the bottom space. In addition to light weight, the battery box must meet other special requirements. For example, the battery housing must be very strong. In addition, the material must protect the subfloor from breakdown, help optimize thermal management, provide excellent fire resistance and meet The tightness requirements for water and gas.
The battery case is 40% lighter than the traditional aluminum or steel battery case. While maintaining high rigidity, it can also have a thermal conductivity 200 times lower than aluminum. In addition to the characteristics of high stiffness and low thermal conductivity, the CFRP composite battery box assembly can ensure improved fire performance, underbody protection, and optimal temperature conditions in the battery, thereby giving electric vehicles excellent safety and saving lives.
It is reported that this business expansion includes a three-year infrastructure investment of approximately US$4.5 million and will increase 35 full-time employees. For this investment, the company will receive public funds from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the city of Akadefia and Clark County. The expansion of the Arkadelphia base began in October 2020 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2021.
Steve Swanson, Vice President of Operations at SGL Composites Inc. said: "Composite battery boxes are particularly suitable for the specific needs of modern electric vehicle chassis. Therefore, as Arkadelphia's business continues to strengthen, we will also support the trend towards more electric transportation in the United States. In addition, our factory produces a variety of carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced products, which are suitable for various industrial, automotive and aerospace industries, as well as the energy sector."