Choosing The Right Fasteners For Electric Vehicle Lightweighting

For electric cars to function properly, choosing the right type of fastener is non-negotiable. A fastener is a device that joins two or more objects together, and it can be removed or even disassembled if needed. That cannot be done with adhesives or other types of components that are used for joining two objects. This is why choosing the right type of Electric Vehicle Fasteners is very important. Let us check out the details in the following segment:

Why Do You Need A Lightweight Fastener?

1. Sturdy & Low-density

The main motive is to make the vehicle durable, but also lightweight, and not something that is hard to move around with. Fasteners play a pivotal role when the topic of durability and weight comes into the picture. Engineers must pay special heed while choosing a fastener that is light, but also one that does not compromise the safety and appearance of the car. In other words, low-density and sturdy fasteners are the way to go.

2. Strength and Safety

Electric vehicles are designed differently, and the type of fasteners used should be examined properly. These cars have high torque, and they often vibrate around the motor, which is another reason why a high-strength fastener should be used. It will cancel out these vibrations and won’t get loose, risking the lives of people inside the car or on the street.

3. Battery Weight Factor

Most people don’t know this, but electric vehicles weigh much more than ICE vehicles. The battery motor increases the weight of an electric vehicle. This is another reason why using a lightweight fastener can help in reducing the extra weight that a heavy fastener might add.

4. Ease of Disassembly

Nowadays, using adhesives is common in electric vehicles to make them lighter, but most engineers prefer using fasteners as they ensure the disassembly of the parts. However, some fasteners grip tightly, which makes disassembly harder if needed. So, choosing a fastener that can be easily removed is another important criterion.

Perks of Using Lightweight Fasteners

• Using lightweight fasteners consumes less battery power compared to heavy fasteners that demand more energy. In other words, they ensure higher battery life.
• Cancels out NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), making the ride smoother and more comfortable. A good quality fastener can significantly reduce NVH.
• It helps in simplifying the manufacturing process. For instance, self-clinching nuts make the whole assembly process quicker and help in saving time.
• Plastic fasteners are absolutely lightweight and cost-effective. Using plastic fasteners can cut down expenses as their production cost is lower than that of metal fasteners.
• Provides corrosion resistance, which adds another valuable perk.

Types of Fasteners and the Materials They Are Made Of

Modern-day engineering is skyrocketing as every day new innovations come up that make life easier. The shift from steel to other lightweight materials has greatly helped the EV production market, making cars lighter and easier to handle. Let us now take a look at the different fasteners available in the market:

• Plastic – Plastic fasteners are cheaper than metal fasteners, as the production cost is low. These are used in interior trims and brackets, which help in keeping the load to a minimum.
• Aluminium – Most electric vehicle production companies use aluminium fasteners because they happen to be quite sturdy and lightweight. These are often used in the interior parts of the car.
• Steel – Popularly known as AHSS steel, these are lightweight and not bulky like traditional steel. They are used in smaller places to secure components together.
• Titanium – A great choice as it is non-corrosive, lightweight, and promises long-term durability. These are used in high-safety areas like suspension and chassis.

Conclusive Insights

As we come to the end of our blog today, we hope that you are aware of how to go about the process of choosing the best fastener. So, don’t forget to let us know in the comment section how these tips worked out for you.