Riding the Electric Wave: Asia-Pacific EV Market Booms, VISA Plastics Collaborates with BASF and SABIC to Empower the Industry's Future

Amid the global transition towards carbon neutrality, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the epicenter of the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution, characterized by remarkable speed and scale. Strong governmental support in China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations, coupled with rising consumer environmental awareness, has collectively ignited the growth engine of this market. However, behind this monumental shift lies not just a race for battery technology and range, but also a quiet revolution in how advanced engineering plastics are shaping the next generation of EVs. Shanghai VISA Plastics S&T Co., Ltd., as a seasoned partner of BASF and SABIC for high-performance engineering plastics, is deeply involved in and driving this process.

Innovative Material Solutions: The Core Role of Engineering Plastics

The extreme demands of EVs for safety, efficiency, and longevity are driving the need for innovation beyond traditional materials. Innovative engineering plastics from BASF and SABIC have become indispensable solutions, thanks to their outstanding properties.

1. Battery Components: Guardians of Safety and Performance

The battery is the "heart" of an EV, where safety and stability are paramount.

• BASF's Ultramid® (Polyamide): Widely used in battery pack housings, module frames, and cooling system components. Its excellent mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and high-temperature resistance effectively protect battery cells from impact and thermal runaway risks. Simultaneously, its good electrical insulation properties ensure the safety of high-voltage systems.

• SABIC's Noryl™ / Cycoloy™: Noryl™, known for its excellent flame retardancy, low moisture absorption, and hydrolysis stability, is an ideal choice for battery module end plates and high-voltage connectors. Cycoloy™ (PC/ABS alloy), prized for its high impact strength and good heat resistance, is commonly used for battery pack covers and charging interfaces.

2. Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation of Durability and Convenience

With the proliferation of fast-charging technology, charging infrastructure faces severe tests from high currents, harsh outdoor environments, and frequent plugging/unplugging.

• BASF's Ultramid® is used to manufacture charging gun housings and sockets, offering not only high strength and flame retardancy (meeting UL94 V-0 standards) but also weather and UV resistance, ensuring long-term reliability for outdoor equipment.

• SABIC's Valox™ / Lexan™: Valox™ (PBT), due to its superior electrical insulation, heat resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, is a key material for internal electrical components of charging stations. Lexan™ (Polycarbonate), with its high transparency and impact strength, is used for charging station display panels, providing a clear and durable visual interface.

3. Lightweight Structural Components: A Key to Extending Range

"Reducing weight to increase range" is a perpetual goal for EVs. Engineering plastics, with their significantly lower density compared to metals, are the preferred choice for lightweighting.

• BASF's Ultramid® can be used to manufacture components like those around the engine, electronic accelerator pedals, and connectors, significantly reducing vehicle weight while ensuring structural strength.

• SABIC's LNP™ Modified Compounds: These specialty composite materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced grades, can provide strength and stiffness comparable to metals. They are used in door modules, seat frames, and other semi-structural components, representing the cutting edge of advanced lightweighting.

The wave of electric mobility is unstoppable, and high-performance engineering plastics are a core force driving its technological evolution. Shanghai VISA Plastics S&T Co., Ltd. is ready to collaborate with partners across the industrial chain. Leveraging the innovative materials from BASF and SABIC as our foundation, we are committed to jointly powering the Asia-Pacific region and the global electric vehicle industry towards a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future.