Freudenberg Sealing Technology triples production of EV battery safety components

Weinheim, Germany – Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) is ramping up production of its pressure compensation elements, designed to enhance the safety of electric vehicles (EVs).

The move is in response to substantial new orders for the DIAvent HighFlow elements, particularly from one Asian and one US automotive group, the company announced 27 Feb.

FST started developing the DIAvent range in 2017 to provide intelligent pressure compensation elements that merge pressure-equalisation and emergency degassing into a single unit.

The range extends from basic light-ventilation to 'high-flow' elements that integrate bi-directional pressure-compensation with emergency degassing in a single component.

The latter unit is said to be unique in the industry: balancing air pressure variations within the battery housing to provide degassing in cases of thermal runaway.

Also, according to FST, the component occupies 50% to 70% less space than similar solutions and is significantly lighter due to its plastics housing.

In addition to being more cost-effective than traditional parts, the component is also claimed to simplify installation and reduce supply-chain complexity.

Moreover, it supports the use of batteries with higher power-density: helping to meet demands for enhanced range, performance and safety in battery-powered vehicles.

“We are particularly thrilled about a series production order from the US, which is unprecedented in DIAvent’s brief history,” said Ralf Schmid, SVP special sealing division.

In order to meet the “huge demand”, FST has “rapidly tripled” its production capacities, Schmid added.

FST launched its first fully automated high-tech production cell for the 'high-flow' product in Reichelsheim, Germany at the beginning of 2023.

A structurally identical twin followed in December at the same production hall.

Due to space constraints in the location, a third DIAvent production line will be operational at FST’s Berlin facility, in the first half of 2024.

The German sealing specialist also aims to start up “at least one additional production line” in early 2025 at its North American site in Shelbyville, Indiana, to fulfill the large US order.