Freudenberg introduces safer battery technology for EVs in China

Company expects new battery separator technology to see high demand in China following stricter environment controls and central government's plans for new energy vehicles

Freudenberg AG has developed a battery separator made from non-woven material, which reduces the risk of fire – currently a major problem with lithium (Li-ion) batteries – the company has said in a statement sent directly to IHS Automotive. The non-woven separator allows ions to flow more freely and is highly fire-resistant. "Our new separator material came out of a challenge we set ourselves to identify the root causes of safety issues with lithium batteries and to eliminate them at source," says Dr. Weber, the business segment manager for Li-ion battery separators at Freudenberg Nonwovens. "A specially developed paste of inorganic particles is applied to the surface of the separator material. This gives it great resistance to mechanical pressure and heat. It neither shrinks nor melts if the battery heats up, greatly reducing the risk of battery fires and significantly improving e-mobility safety."