Saint-Gobain Seals Group continues investing in the development of electric vehicle technology with its OmniLip and OmniShield sealing solutions and Meldin HT polymer solution. The electric car, which is propelled by one electric motor or more using electrical energy stored in batteries or another energy storage device, has become one of the youngest and fastest growing segments in today’s automotive industry. Although volumes are still in the low single digit percentage compared to conventional internal combustion engine cars, this rate is steadily increasing and several initiatives around the globe are in place to achieve the goal of having 20 million electric cars on the road by 2020. Since 2008, a renaissance in electric vehicle manufacturing has occurred due to advances in battery and power management technologies, concerns about increasing oil prices, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Seals Group’s OmniLip product line of rotary lip seals are used in a cooling differential module for the electric system. Cooling the electrical systems is one of the most critical challenges engineers face and is essential for safe operation. In addition, it is important for the cooling system to consume the least amount of energy possible to ensure long use of battery power. After a long and rigorous development process, the Seals Group designed a special version of its OmniLip radial lip seal, which includes a low level of friction. It is a key factor in reducing the energy consumption and at the same time providing an efficient and durable sealing solution. These lip seals can endure hostile environments, unlike elastomer lip seals, with key benefits in terms of temperature and chemical resistance.

Another defining feature of the electric car is the charging of the batteries. For charging electric cars, special connectors have been developed by the industry. With its OmniShield spring-technology seals, which were first introduced in 1958, the Seals Group has developed a full range of springs for latching and locking as well as shielding for these battery connectors.

Not only does the Saint-Gobain Seals Group provide the above sealing solutions but also material solutions such as their Meldin HT polymer components for the brake system. They co-developed with one of the automotive industry’s leading manufacturers, a series of high-tech polymer components that are used in the brake system of the Renault ZOE.