Trelleborg undertakes composite-based R&D project
The focus of the project is to develop a novel composite material that can be integrated into an EV battery to reduce the overall weight of the battery case.
Share

Funded by the (OZEV) (London, England) through the (Loughborough, Leicestershire, England), ’s (Trelleborg, Sweden) applied technologies operation will undertake a research and development (R&D) project focused on electric vehicle (EV) battery material and design, as part of a collaboration with composites company Far-UK Ltd. (Nottingham, England), Great British Sportscars Limited (Ollerton, England) and (West Sussex, England). The early-stage R&D stream initiative provides a platform for collaborative research in zero-emission vehicle technologies within the U.K. niche vehicle sector.
The focus of the R&D project is to develop a novel composite material, as an alternative to aluminum, that can be integrated into an EV battery to reduce the overall weight of the battery case, supporting the decarbonization of vehicles on the road and reducing emissions through lightweighting.
Neil O’Keeffe, technical director of Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation in Rochdale, England, states, “We are actively developing new materials within the EV sector, and we know that collaboration is key to understanding industry challenges and speeding up the development process. EV production is a critical emerging market for Trelleborg, and we are keen to support the progression to electrification.”
Richard Hall, director of Great British Sportscars, states, “Building a working proof-of-concept within a vehicle is the end goal for the project. Working with other like-minded companies that are focused on innovation is key for us, there is a synergy in our outlook, with this project providing a great basis for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.”
The R&D project is for a six-month period, with findings and results published during 2022.
Related Content
-
Composites end markets: Automotive (2024)
Recent trends in automotive composites include new materials and developments for battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and recycled and bio-based materials.
-
Update: THOR project for industrialized, recyclable thermoplastic composite tanks for hydrogen storage
A look into the tape/liner materials, LATW/recycling processes, design software and new equipment toward commercialization of Type 4.5 tanks.
-
Honda begins production of 2025 CR-V e:FCEV with Type 4 hydrogen tanks in U.S.
Model includes new technologies produced at Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, which is part of Honda hydrogen business strategy that includes Class 8 trucks.