Saudi petrochemicals and plastics giant Sabic (Riyadh; www.sabic.com) has launched BlueHero, a strategic electrification initiative it says seeks to develop and deliver material solutions to accelerate the world’s energy transition to electric while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and helping to address climate change.

The car market and its move towards more sustainability systems are the initial focus of the initiative. The company wants to enhance the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) by improving structural battery components with unique flame retardant materials.

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Sabic said its cost-effective and technologically advanced thermoplastics offer performance advantages over conventional metals in EV batteries and electrical and charging components, including reduced weight and system complexity, streamlined manufacturability, and enhanced thermal management, design freedom, and recyclability.

Studies say electric vehicles can convert more than 77% of electricity into movement compared to only 12-30% of the energy stored in petrol for vehicles with internal combustion engines. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants and are responsible for significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions during operation.