Driving eMobility forward with advanced polyamide technology
BASF is advancing the materials backbone of electric mobility by transferring proven test methods to hydrolysis storage and applying Arrhenius analyses to reliably forecast service life. The company’s latest developments in polyamide materials are tailored to the demanding environments of electric vehicles (EVs), where long-term performance, heat resistance and chemical durability are critical for components ranging from battery housings to under-hood parts.
Hydrolysis storage testing meets real-world durability
As EVs operate in environments with varying humidity and temperature, polymer components must withstand hydrolytic degradation. BASF has integrated hydrolysis storage testing into its development cycle, ensuring that polyamide materials retain mechanical integrity and dimensional stability over extended periods of service. This approach helps engineers predict how parts will age in real-world conditions, reducing risk for manufacturers and end-users alike.
Why hydrolysis matters for eMobility
Polyamides, while known for toughness and chemical resistance, can be sensitive to moisture at elevated temperatures. Hydrolysis storage protocols simulate long-term exposure to water vapor, helping BASF identify potential pitfalls early. By combining this data with Arrhenius-based life predictions, BASF can estimate when performance might begin to degrade and plan preventive maintenance or design reinforcements accordingly.
Arrhenius analyses: translating lab data into life expectancy
One of the cornerstones of BASF’s reliability strategy is the use of Arrhenius analyses. This method connects reaction rates to temperature, enabling the extrapolation of accelerated aging tests to end-of-life scenarios. For polyamide materials in eMobility, Arrhenius modeling translates months of laboratory data into credible forecasts of service life spanning many tens of thousands of hours. The approach supports engineers in selecting materials that meet both safety and performance criteria over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Ultramid®: glass fiber-reinforced, low-halogen meets demanding targets
The centerpiece of BASF’s eMobility materials portfolio is Ultramid®. A glass fiber-reinforced, low-halogen grade demonstrates exceptional stiffness, strength, and resistance to moisture and heat. This combination is particularly valuable for under-hood components and structural parts where weight, thermal management and reliability are prioritized. The low-halogen formulation aligns with regulatory and environmental considerations, offering a balance of performance and sustainability for future EV platforms.
Performance metrics that matter for EV applications
Key performance indicators include high modulus for snap resistance under load, excellent dimensional stability, low moisture uptake, and retention of mechanical properties after hydrolytic exposure. BASF’s materials are designed to maintain these properties even after decades of service, contributing to longer component life, reduced maintenance, and overall vehicle reliability.
What this means for automotive manufacturers
Automakers and tier-one suppliers can leverage BASF’s hydrolysis-tested polyamides and Arrhenius life predictions to optimize part design, choose more durable materials, and shorten development cycles. The combination of proven test methods with advanced modeling enables more confident decisions on material selection, part geometry, and long-term performance under the stress of charging cycles, thermal loads and exposure to automotive fluids.
Looking ahead: harmonizing performance, safety and sustainability
As eMobility evolves, BASF’s approach shows how material science can keep pace with regulatory changes and customer expectations. The company continues to refine Ultramid® grades and testing methods, aiming to deliver materials that not only meet today’s standards but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges in energy storage, thermal management and structural integrity.
