With increasing global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has ushered in unprecedented growth opportunities. Against this backdrop, silicone materials have become indispensable in NEV manufacturing due to their exceptional properties, including high-temperature resistance, weather resistance, electrical insulation, flexibility, and chemical stability. These characteristics make silicones crucial in various applications such as battery systems, electric motors and controls, sealing and bonding, and thermal management.

In the core component of NEVs—the power battery system—silicone materials play a particularly prominent role. Lithium-ion batteries generate significant heat during charging and discharging, and poor heat dissipation can lead to performance degradation or even safety hazards. Silicone thermal conductive materials, owing to their excellent thermal conductivity and insulation properties, are widely used in battery modules as thermal pads, potting compounds, and thermal interface materials (TIMs). For instance, silicone thermal pads effectively fill gaps between battery cells, reducing contact thermal resistance and improving overall heat dissipation. Silicone potting compounds encapsulate entire battery packs, enhancing heat dissipation while also improving shock resistance, waterproofing, and dustproofing, thereby extending battery life. Additionally, silicones are used in battery management system (BMS) protection, where their high-temperature and flame-retardant properties help mitigate thermal runaway risks.

Electric motors and control systems serve as the "brain" and "heart" of NEVs, and their stable operation directly impacts overall vehicle performance. In motor insulation, silicone insulating varnishes and tapes, with their outstanding high-temperature and dielectric properties, withstand the heat and strong electromagnetic fields generated during high-speed operation, ensuring long-term reliability. Silicone materials are also used for encapsulating electronic control modules, protecting sensitive components from moisture, dust, and chemical corrosion. For high-voltage wiring harness insulation and sealing, silicone rubber’s flexibility and aging resistance ensure safe operation under complex conditions.

Lightweight design is a key strategy for improving the driving range of NEVs, and silicone structural adhesives and sealants play a vital role in vehicle weight reduction. Compared to traditional welding or mechanical fastening, silicone adhesives enable high-strength bonding of different materials (such as aluminum alloys, high-strength steel, and composites) while reducing body weight. Moreover, silicone sealants excel in sealing battery pack housings, charging ports, and windows, with their weather and UV resistance ensuring long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosive agents.

Optimizing thermal management systems is critical for NEV efficiency and safety. Silicone materials are widely used in radiators, cooling pipes, and electronic water pumps. For example, silicone rubber hoses exhibit excellent resistance to high temperatures and coolant corrosion, maintaining stable performance under extreme conditions. Silicone thermal gels are applied to power semiconductor devices (e.g., IGBT modules) to enhance heat dissipation and ensure efficient operation of electronic control systems.

Furthermore, silicones find extensive use in NEV smart components, such as sensor encapsulation, optical adhesives for displays, and protective coatings for autonomous driving electronics, all benefiting from silicone’s high performance and reliability.

In summary, silicone materials are indispensable in multiple critical areas of NEVs. As technology advances and market demand grows, innovative applications of silicones will further drive industry progress, contributing to more efficient, safer, and greener mobility solutions.