Electric vehicle charger fitted to vehicle input plug

E-mobility

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the automotive industry by offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. SCHOTT’s hermetic sealing technology, glass ceramic powder, battery fuses and specialty glass ensure that the electric vehicles experience is more efficient and reliable than ever before.

Technology trend of electric vehicles systems

Electric vehicle (EV) technology is advancing rapidly in several key areas.

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    The battery is arguably the most critical component of an electric vehicle. Innovations like solid-state batteries and fast charging technologies are enhancing energy density and making charging faster and more convenient.
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    Thermal management systems ensure key components such as batteries and motors operate within their optimal temperature ranges, enhancing performance and safety. For example, new methods like immersion cooling and integrated thermal management help ensure optimal battery performance.
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    EV safety systems are becoming more sophisticated, protecting drivers and passengers while enabling smart driving.

    Today’s EVs feature many smart functions, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology, that use cameras, radar, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.

    Challenges of electric vehicles and corresponding technical solutions

    An electric vehicle image
    A battery pack consist of Lithium-ion batteries

    Lithium-ion battery

    In electric vehicles, electrolyte leakage and moisture intrusion are key factors in diminished  performance of lithium-ion batteries. SCHOTT battery lids seamlessly connect to the battery housing to prevent leakage. These rugged lid provides a fully sealed, non-aging, and space-saving construction that lasts up to 25 years and a temperature range of -60~+150 °C. We also offer glass-to-aluminum-sealed (GTAS®) lids for batteries with aluminum cases.

    solid state battery for the electric car

    Solid state battery

    Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, rather than liquid electrolytes, to conduct ions between the electrodes. The non-flammable solid electrolyte  improve safety while enhancing energy density and fast charging performance. 
    SCHOTT’s glass ceramic powder is a high-performance solid electrolyte material. The material’s crystalline structure acts as an ionic conductor while the amorphous glass phase improves sintering characteristics and helps reduce interface resistance.

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    Immersed cooling systems

    In immersed cooling systems, battery cells are placed in direct contact with a cooling liquid such as water-glycol to absorb and transfer heat efficiently. SCHOTT’s glass-to-metal sealed connectors deliver reliable connectivity by preventing cooling liquid leakage while enabling reliable signal transmission. These connectors are robust even in harsh environments, such as those found in ultrafast charging.
    A High voltage direct current relay

    The high voltage direct current (HVDC) relay

    An HVDC relay is typically located between the battery pack and power electronics, such as the inverter and motor drive. This relay is crucial for safely connecting and disconnecting the high-voltage battery from the rest of the vehicle’s electrical system. As a key safety device, an HVDC relay needs to be resistant to high voltage, load, shock, strong arc extinguishing, and breaking capacity. SCHOTT’s gas-tight terminals ensure a long lifespan for gas-filled relays.
    An electric compressor in Car Air-con system.

    E-compressor

    As fast-charging technology becomes more common, drive batteries often operate above 500 V, with some OEMs pushing voltages up to 800 V. These high voltages place very high demands on the electrical insulation of EV compressors terminals in the air conditioning system. Drawing on over 60 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, SCHOTT developed CompRite™ Compressor Terminals for 800 V systems. These terminals are designed to withstand various refrigerants, including R134a, R1234yf, and R744 (CO₂).
    Car dashboard

    Automotive sensors

    Sensors play a crucial role in EV thermal management systems. Temperature sensors help regulate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, ensuring passenger comfort without excessively draining the battery. Pressure sensors are used to monitor and control the refrigerant cycle to ensure efficient cooling and heating.  SCHOTT’s hermetic packaging enables reliable protection and functionality of sensor electronics in e-mobility.

    A circuit breaker for battery  cut-off

    Circuit breakers

    In electric vehicles, circuit breakers protect the electrical system by interrupting the flow of electricity during an overcurrent or short circuit. They can also isolate specific sections of the electrical system for maintenance or in the event of a fault. SCHOTT’s feedthroughs support the reliable, long-term functionality of safety shutdown systems.
    The car airbags deploy to protect passengers

    Passenger airbags

    The airbags remain a vital safety system for electric vehicles. The airbag system must be able to detect battery-related hazards and coordinate appropriate safety responses to protect occupants. As a result, the location and number of airbags in electric vehicles differ from those of combustion engine vehicles. SCHOTT headers and feedthroughs protect the sensitive pyrotechnic ignitor charge so that it can do its job reliably in the event of an emergency.

    LiDAR sensor scanning surrounding environment

    LiDAR

    LiDAR is one of the most important technologies for autonomous driving. Although LiDAR sensors must be extremely precise, they are typically installed on the outside of vehicles where they are exposed to harsh conditions. SCHOTT hermetic packages protect components in LiDAR sensors from shock, vibration, and internal condensation. With our professional opto-electrical design, these packages enable LiDAR sensors with outstanding technical performance.

    Batteries and opto-electronics in electric vehicles

    The batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) face challenges such as safety, limited energy density, long charging times etc. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving EV performance and adoption.

    A rectangular shape lithium-ion battery for electric car

    Lithium-ion batteries

    Two of the most important features of a battery are how much energy it can store, and how quickly it can deliver that energy. Lithium-ion batteries have the advantages of high energy density and high efficiency, which makes them mostly used in electric vehicles.

    A cylindrical battery with solid electrolyte

    Solid state batteries

    A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte to conduct ions between the electrodes, instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes. This design avoids the possibility of electrolyte leakage and improves overall safety.

    Series of blue LED lights for vehicle optoelectronics system

    Optoelectronics

    SCHOTT’s innovative range of microscopically thin aluminosilicate glass lends itself to a huge range of uses, including optical and optoelectronic applications. SCHOTT produces high precision glass discs to a large variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses, with customized anti-reflective or beamsplitter coatings.

    Illustration of an electric vehicle at an EV charging station

    EV chargers

    As the transport sector transforms from fossil fuel to electric power, SCHOTT’s range of glass panels for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and wall boxes provide simple, reliable and weather-proof control for homes and businesses in a wide range of designs.

    Thermal management in electric vehicles

    Thermal management in electric vehicles (EVs) faces challenges such as managing heat from battery packs, ensuring efficiency in extreme temperatures, and integrating compact, cost-effective systems without compromising performance. Advanced design technologies are essential to address these issues and ensure safety and efficiency.

    battery pack in immersed cooling system

    Immersed cooling systems

    Immersion cooling is an advanced thermal management technique to maintain optimal battery temperatures.

    Electric compressor in Aircon system of a car

    Automotive AC e-compressors

    The electric compressor primarily plays a crucial role in the thermal management of the battery and powertrain, helping to maintain optimal operating temperatures for these components.

    A engineer is monitoring the situation of car engine system

    Temperature and pressure sensors

    Sensors play a crucial role in the thermal management systems of electric vehicles (EVs). Temperature sensors are used to regulate the heating, ventilation, excessively.

    Why e-mobility customers choose SCHOTT

    Based on decades of experience and close partnership with the automotive industry, SCHOTT is the leading supplier of many components for electric vehicles, such as electric compressor terminals, sensor housings and headers for airbag ignitors and seatbelt pretensioners.
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    We offer high-quality products in volumes ranging from prototype up to mass production. Our IATF-certified facilities on two continents and consignment warehouse services are optimized to meet the automotive industry’s strict quality targets and delivery requirements. This helps us offer a high level of supply security and flexibility to our customers.
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    Innovation is our DNA: SCHOTT’s commitment to innovation is evident in their continuous advancements across the e-mobility industry. Our cutting-edge developments in next generation power batteries and optoelectronics showcase our dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and enhancing the performance and safety of electric vehicles.
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    Discover how high-tech materials are changing the world

    Charger connected to an electric car, charging it

    Solving the e-mobility puzzle

    Higher driving range, lower prices, improved safety, and ever-growing charging speeds: Solid-state batteries could provide the lift electric cars need to increase mass-market adoption. Go inside a vacuum-sealed lab for a look at groundbreaking material research for next-gen EV batteries in the making.

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