Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net) is partnering with Valencia’s regional government’s Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society on a project to create thermoplastics that can replace metal parts within electric vehicle battery casings.

The goal of the “Veteria21 Project” will be to find the best methods for processing and improving thermoplastic composites so they can be used in currently heavy – and fuel-draining – car batteries. Currently made of stainless steel and aluminium, li-ion battery modules account for between 20% and 30% of vehicle weight.

Aimplas believes the use of thermoplastics in e-vehicle batteries will lead to a major reduction in vehicle weight, thereby extending battery life, and feed into aspirations for a circular economy due to their recyclability.

Begoña Galindo, Aimplas’ sustainable and future mobility group leader, said, “In general, 73% of vehicle weight corresponds to the metal components. Thermoset composites are therefore a lightweight (and recyclable) alternative for battery casings.”