Can a battery housing be made from steel?

In this study, Magna has shown that battery housings for electric vehicles can also be made from steel. The steel housing ensures basic protection of the battery cells and saves significant costs in large-scale production. The greatest advantage of steel construction is its low component costs.

Can a BEV battery housing be made of steel?

In this study, Magna has examined in a study whether the battery housing of a BEV can be made of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel instead of aluminum and which performance differences therefore occur.

Why are EV batteries made of steel?

Modern forms of steel being used by EV manufacturers are lighter, thinner and stronger than traditional steels, helping to offset the weight of an EV battery while continuing to offer high passenger protection – creating more space for the batteries themselves and increasing range*.

Why is a steel battery housing made of soft-drawing steel?

A soft, deep-drawing steel was selected for the cover and tray of the steel battery housing to achieve the required formability for production. Both good formability and increased strength after forming are crucial for the base plate of the steel version in order to meet the requirement for underride protection.

Is a steel battery housing cheaper than an aluminum battery housing?

A calculation of the material and manufacturing costs for both battery housings based on the assumed manufacturing volume of 100,000 units per year shows that the steel housing is approximately 37 % cheaper than the aluminum housing in terms of component costs. The cost of the equipment and the welding were not taken into account.

Are electric vehicle battery housings made from aluminum?

Battery housings for electric vehicles today are usually manufactured from aluminum components. Since electric mobility is set to increase sharply in most vehicle sectors over the next few years, the profitability of using aluminum designs needs to be scrutinized.