- Can you tell us about BASF’s expertise and built-in eMobility Performance Materials, in meeting the standards for safety, durability, and mechanical achievement in India’s market?
BASF is one of the largest chemical suppliers to the automotive industry globally. In 2022, globally, automotive driven sales for BASF reached Euro 19.3 billion. As one of the largest automotive markets, India too is a significant market for BASF. BASF achieved sales of over a billion Euro in 2021 in India. At BASF, we offer a wide range of products and solutions across various industries, including the automotive industry. BASF has been at the forefront in the automotive space and also in eMobility, including the development of high-performance materials for electric vehicles.
A fundamental way to improve the range, life, and price of hybrid and electric vehicle technology is through improving the material science behind the batteries. From the chemistry of the battery to lightweight components that limit energy usage, with significant focus on R&D to help automakers address these challenges, we have gained trust from customers with our relentless focus on innovation, product quality, supply reliability, sustainability, and pricing.
BASF’s expertise in eMobility Performance Materials includes the development of innovative materials that meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and mechanical performance. These materials are designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of electric vehicles, helping to make them a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
BASF’s eMobility Performance Materials portfolio comprises high-performance plastics, such as Ultramid® and Ultradur®, as well as polyurethanes, including Elastofoam® and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), such as Elastollan®. These materials are utilised in manufacturing lightweight, durable, and fire-resistant components for battery cases, charging cables, housings, and other related applications in electric vehicles.
We also offer innovative materials customised from the above product groups to meet the requirements of the latest AIS 156 standard, which focuses on the Thermal Runaway Protection, thus enhancing the safety of the electric vehicles.
- With India’s target of achieving 30% electric vehicles by 2030, how is BASF contributing to this goal through its eMobility solutions?
Our eMobility solutions cover various areas, including thermal management, electric powertrain, battery packs, and charging infrastructure. Additionally, BASF offers a range of solutions for battery systems and thermal management, which are critical components of electric vehicles. These solutions are designed to enhance the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of electric vehicles, making them suitable for the Indian market. Apart from Performance Materials, other solutions include Cathode Active Materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries, Surface Treatment solutions for corrosion prevention, enhanced low-conductive coolants, and Cellasto® for reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Most of these solutions are available locally in India, and we also provide expert guidance from our global application competence teams across business units to help customers choose the right solution for their application. Overall, our one-company approach provides significant value to our automotive customers.
- How do BASF’s battery materials offerings provide a competitive edge in the rapidly growing Indian EV market, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 49% between 2021-2030?
BASF’s battery materials are designed to improve the performance and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries, which is critical for the success of electric vehicles in the Indian market. BASF’s battery materials, such as cathode active materials (CAM) and anode binders, are engineered to enhance the energy density and cycle life of batteries, enabling longer driving range and better battery durability. In addition to supplying cathode materials (CAM), BASF is also researching next generation battery materials and systems. With high energy density, safety and efficiency, our battery materials are the heart of e-cars. By 2025, our innovations in battery materials aim to double the real driving range of mid size cars from 300 to 600 km (180 to 360 miles) on a single charge, while reducing the charging time to only 15 minutes, halving the size of batteries and doubling its lifetime.
Secondly, BASF’s battery materials are tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian market. For example, BASF’s CAM products are designed to provide excellent thermal stability, which is important in hot and humid climates like India’s. Additionally, BASF’s anode binders products are optimised for fast-charging capabilities, which is important in a market where charging infrastructure is still developing.
Thirdly, BASF’s battery materials are produced sustainably, which is increasingly important for consumers in India who are looking for environmentally friendly products. BASF’s materials are manufactured using sustainable processes, such as reducing the use of critical raw materials and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Backward integration along the value chain of production of CAM and strategic partnerships with mining helps in consistent supply quantity and quality as per the market needs.
- Can you share insights into BASF’s eMobility offerings in India and how they align with the country’s Automotive Mission Plan (AMP)?
FAME-II was launched to support the production of 1 million EV two-wheelers and 7,000 electric buses in India. It aligns well with the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) to support the development of policies that shape best practices for designing and manufacturing vehicles and vehicle components, including automotive electronics and light-weighting materials. BASF’s eMobility offerings, including its high-performance materials, battery materials, and thermal management solutions, are designed to support the goals of the AMP by enabling the development of electric vehicles that are efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Performance materials such as Engineering Plastics and Polyurethanes are light weight solutions that help in improving the efficiency of the vehicles. Battery materials, such as cathode active materials (CAM) and anode binders, also support the AMP’s goals by improving the performance and durability of electric vehicle batteries. This enables longer driving range and faster charging times. The coolant solution helps in better heat management, thereby enhancing the durability of the vehicles.
The local manufacturing of Performance Materials for the automotive sector presents a great opportunity to not only support the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also showcase India’s prowess as a global automotive manufacturing hub. With the increasing focus on making vehicles more fuel-efficient and performance-focused through lightweighting, and the ability to foster collaboration and co-creation globally, BASF is committed to contributing to the country’s Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) by focusing on these areas.
- Could you provide examples of how BASF has helped its customers in India design trend-setting eMobility innovations that contribute to a sustainable future?
BASF is collaborating with various customers to offer solutions that meet the latest testing standards, such as the AIS 156 standard for fire protection. Our solutions include PU-based materials for Thermal Runaway Protection, development of halogen-free flame retardant engineering plastics for battery pack solutions, and high-energy CAMs for improving the energy density and extending the driving range for a safer and more comfortable ride. Additionally, we are open to co-creating innovative eMobility-focused products with designers, OEMs, and product manufacturers through our Creation Center located at the Innovation Campus in Mumbai.
- What best practices and case studies can you share with us about how BASF’s eMobility solutions are being implemented in India and contributing to the growth of the EV market?
Please refer to the answer for question 5 for further details. We work with leading startups and legacy OEMs to implement various advanced technology solutions for the eMobility sector.
- How does BASF plan to evolve its eMobility offerings in India in response to the changing market trends and demands?
As India is the leading manufacturer of 2Ws and e-2Ws in the Asia Pacific region, it is at the forefront of new developments. With our work in the automotive industry, we are well-positioned to bring the latest technology and developments in the eMobility space to the country. We have dedicated teams in each APAC country for eMobility developments, forming a close-knit group for translating customer requirements and creating success stories for implementation in other countries.
- What sets BASF apart from its competitors in the eMobility and battery materials segment in India?
The wide range of offerings that BASF provides sets it apart from the competition. As one of the largest chemical partners for the automotive sector globally, BASF adds value as a complete solution provider rather than just a material supplier. This includes supporting the customer from cradle to gate, offering multiple solutions ranging from pre-treatment solutions to battery materials, performance chemicals such as lubricants and coolants, as well as performance materials. We invite the ecosystem to collaborate and co-create with us for new technology requirements and developments.