By Josh Perry, Editor
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Autoneum, a Switzerland-based automotive supplier, announced that it was expanding its product line to include a textile battery undercover made from its Ultra-Silent material that meets the acoustic and thermal needs of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Autoneum is expanding its Ultra-Silent materials for EV battery undercovers. (Autoneum)

Ultra-Silent is a PET-based, glass-free material that is resistant to water and heat and can reduce vehicle noise by up to two decibels. It is also impact resistant and lightweight to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption.

The material has been used as a vehicle underbody, but Autoneum is now using Ultra-Silent in EV for the first time. It is an insulator to lower the sound that enters the passenger cabin, which is particularly important in EV because the lack of engine noise makes the sound of battery thermal management systems more noticeable.

In addition to acoustics, Autoneum claims that Ultra-Silent enhances battery performance by limiting the impact of extreme heat or cooling and maintaining proper battery temperature.

“In order to calibrate the temperature resistance and material stiffness of undercovers, Autoneum uses a broad range of internally developed simulation tools,” the announcement added. “They are deployed in both the development phase of new electric models as well as in the further development of those already on sale.”