Leading the way in eMobility with reliable polyamide materials
The materials science behind electric mobility is evolving rapidly, and BASF is at the forefront with innovative polyamide solutions designed to meet the harsh demands of eMobility. By transferring proven test methods to hydrolysis storage and applying Arrhenius analyses, BASF is delivering robust predictions of service life that engineers can depend on for long-term performance in demanding automotive environments.
Hydrolysis storage tests inform durable, long-lasting performance
One of the key challenges for polymers in automotive applications is exposure to moisture and heat, especially in powertrain and charging systems where temperatures swing and humidity varies. BASF has adapted established test methods to hydrolysis storage scenarios, enabling a realistic assessment of how polyamide materials behave over time when exposed to water and heat. This approach provides a more accurate view of how Ultramid® grades will perform in real-world eMobility contexts, helping teams select materials that resist hydrolytic degradation and retain mechanical integrity and dimensional stability.
Arrhenius analyses enable reliable service-life predictions
Beyond static testing, BASF uses Arrhenius analyses to quantify how temperature accelerates aging processes in polyamides. By correlating accelerated-test data with expected operating temperatures on the road, engineers gain credible, field-relevant forecasts of service life. This predictive capability is especially valuable in eMobility applications where long-term reliability is critical for safety, warranties, and total cost of ownership.
Ultramid®: glass fiber-reinforced, low-halogen options for high-stress parts
BASF’s Ultramid® portfolio includes glass fiber-reinforced variants that combine high stiffness, improved dimensional stability, and resistance to creep. The emphasis on low-halogen formulations aligns with the automotive sector’s sustainability goals and regulatory trends, aiming to reduce halogen content without compromising mechanical properties. These Ultramid® grades are well suited for components that experience vibration, load fluctuations, and thermal cycling, such as connectors, housings, and structural elements inside eMobility vehicles.
Why these materials matter for the future of eMobility
As electric vehicles push further into mass production and consumer adoption, the reliability of polymer components becomes a decisive factor in overall vehicle performance. BASF’s integration of hydrolysis-resilience testing with Arrhenius-based life predictions helps engineers design components that last longer, require fewer replacements, and maintain performance across a wide temperature range. The glass fiber-reinforced, low-halogen Ultramid® grades extend the envelope of where polyamides can be used, enabling lighter, tougher, and more durable parts without sacrificing environmental sustainability.
Practical implications for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
OEMs can leverage these materials and methods to optimize part design and durability budgeting. The ability to forecast service life with confidence reduces risk during development, accelerates validation, and supports more aggressive weight-reduction strategies without compromising reliability. For Tier 1 suppliers, these advances translate into more competitive offerings with longer service life guarantees and better total-cost-of-ownership assurances for customers deploying eMobility solutions.
Conclusion
BASF’s innovative polyamide materials and predictive aging framework offer a compelling combination for eMobility programs. By translating proven test methods to hydrolysis storage and employing Arrhenius analyses, BASF delivers reliable, data-driven forecasts of performance. The result is durable, low-halogen, glass fiber-reinforced Ultramid® grades that meet stringent endurance requirements and help accelerate the adoption of safer, more efficient electric vehicles.
