Kraiburg TPE highlights wider EV applications for thermoplastic elastomers

Waldkraiburg, Germany – Kraiburg TPE sees expanding opportunities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in electric vehicles as OEMs “rethink concepts” for reduced product carbon footprint and higher recyclability.

In a 12 Nov technical update, Matthias Michl, head of automotive at Kraiburg TPE, outlined how temperature changes, new design approaches and pressure to meet sustainability targets are opening “new possibilities” for TPEs in powertrain, interior and exterior applications.

For powertrains – and with battery-electric vehicles requiring fewer high-temperature components – Michl said OEMs can now reconsider traditional cross-linked materials and adopt TPEs where sealing and damping properties are needed.

In battery housings, for example, he said TPEs can provide “central” sealing and damping functions.

Additional storage space created around the battery area also requires “durable and flexible materials,” creating another opportunity for TPEs.

For the automotive interior, Michl noted that a shift to more simplified and integrated interior designs has not reduced demand for soft-touch materials.

TPEs, he said, continue to be used in storage mats, inductive charging pads, and haptic elements, with BEV makers demanding “customised, high-quality colour settings” to match OEM interior standards.

Noise absorption is another factor as electric motors are quieter than combustion engines, Michl citing how soft-grade TPEs can “reduce unwanted vibrations and noise,” supporting vehicle comfort.

For exterior parts, Michl pointed to TPEs’ performance in window surrounds, water deflectors, door and window seals, and sealing lips for trim elements.

According to the Kraiburg TPE chief, EV designers are introducing “innovative approaches” for sealing systems, where weight-reduction and sustainability is increasingly important.

This trend is driving demand for high recycled-content TPEs ”that combine weight-reduction with weather resistance and sealing performance.” 

OEMs, he added, are actively pursuing solutions with “reduced product carbon footprint (PFC)” and recyclability, especially as the EU drafts new end-of-life vehicle regulations.

Compared with fully cross-linked materials such as EPDM, TPEs offer advantages including “in-process recyclability to reduce waste,” the automotive parts leader continued.

Kraiburg TPE's portfolio, he added, now includes grades with “up to 80% recycled content,” already used in powertrain, interior and exterior parts.