New steels – and deals – will see Europe outpace the world in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales

By 2025, ArcelorMittal expects that electric vehicles will account for around a quarter of all new car sales in the European Union (EU). We are already seeing sharp increases in number of new electric vehicles sold in the region. The increase is being driven by the EU’s emissions standards which entered into force on 1 January 2020 and require fleet emissions to average 95 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. But sales will also be influenced by the European Commission’s announcement that it is stepping up efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with a new set of measures known as the European Green Deal. Coupled with investments in new charging infrastructure and OEM efforts to roll out new electric vehicle models, everything indicates that the number of electric vehicles on the road will increase rapidly in the short term.

ArcelorMittal is already well positioned to help carmakers respond to this rapid transition to e-mobility. We can offer products and solutions for the body-in-white (BIW), chassis, and e-traction systems. For example, the iCARe^® range of electrical steels from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products was designed specifically to meet the needs of electric and hybrid vehicle makers. The steels are already in use by automakers as they offer better power density, and reduce the size and weight of drive trains. iCARe^® steels also lower the total cost of electrification and provide longer drive range with existing battery technology.

To design the new electric models that will be on the road soon, car manufacturers can rely on ArcelorMittal’s full range of steel grades for hot, cold, and roll-forming. We also offer strong Global R&D teams which can accompany our automotive customers as they transition their fleets to include more electric mobility solutions. Simulations and prototyping support are just two of the many services we can offer.

Advanced steels and solutions leading the way

Another industry leading initiative is ArcelorMittal’s S-in motion^® programme. S-in motion^® includes a set of steel solutions for carmakers who wish to create lighter, safer, and more environmentally friendly vehicles. It includes a range of steel solutions that can be used to make cars lighter at the most affordable cost.

One of the latest S-in motion^® solutions is for the battery pack of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The battery pack is one of the most vital parts of an electric vehicle. As BEV are usually heavier due to the additional weight of the batteries, they bring far more severe crash constraints. As well as protecting the battery and its equipment from external elements, it must keep the vehicle and its passengers safe from battery leakage, fumes, fire, and electromagnetic fields.

The S-in motion^® examination of the battery pack demonstrated how advanced high strength steels (AHSS) can achieve these goals by simulating some of the most severe load cases. These included underfloor intrusion, pole crush, and drop tests. The three main sub-modules (upper cross member, frame and lower shield) of the battery pack were shown to benefit from the use of AHSS such as ArcelorMittal’s MartINsite^® 1500 steel grade. The MartINsite^® grade was able to resist high load-deformation due to its very high yield strength of more than 1200 MPa.

The MartINsite^® solution is also more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient than a similar aluminium-based structure. Compared with aluminium version, ArcelorMittal’s MartINsite^® offers a 36 percent reduction in CO₂ equivalent emissions and a cost saving of between €80 and 100 per car.

ArcelorMittal steels deployed in leading electric vehicle models

Carmakers are already using ArcelorMittal’s steels in their vehicles. The Audi e-tron makes extensive use of ultra high strength steels (UHSS) and laser welded blanks from ArcelorMittal to achieve its impressive safety performance.

Other electrical cars that are already on the road and which make significant use of AHSS include the Renault Zoé, the Nissan Leaf and the Mercedes EQC. Over the next three years, the number of available EVs in Europe is expected to reach 150 models.

In addition to our knowledge, experience, and high-quality steels, ArcelorMittal also has a powerful commercial and technical network to support customers. Our resident engineers are embedded in the teams of leading automakers, providing them with the latest information on our advances in steel technology. Resident engineers also feedback information to ArcelorMittal, ensuring our products meet customer needs and expectations in terms of functionality, usability, and quality.

Brand new BEV car configurator

ArcelorMittal offers the most efficient AHSS steels and steel solutions for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). All these solutions have passed extensive assessments, including global crash test simulations, forming feasibility, assembly etc.

To discover our customizable BEV steel solutions for body-in-white and battery pack, check out our S-in motion^® BEV SUV 3D car configurator.

European Green Deal accelerates e-mobility

In December 2019, the European Commission released details of its ‘European Green Deal’. The Deal commits Europe to tackling climate and environment-related changes and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while enhancing economic growth.

There is already evidence that this combination can work. Between 1990 and 2018, the EU reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent, while the economy grew by 61 percent in the same period.

With transport accounting for a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, a 90 percent reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050 to achieve the EU’s goal. The Commission will adopt a strategy for sustainable and smart mobility in 2020 that will address this challenge and tackle all emission sources.

Key dates

2020 will see the European Union introduce:

• A proposal to support zero carbon steelmaking processes by 2030.
• A strategy for sustainable and smart mobility.

In 2021, the EU will introduce a proposal for more stringent air pollutant emissions standards for combustion-engine vehicles.

ArcelorMittal was the first steel company to publish a climate action report in May 2019. In December 2019, ArcelorMittal also announced that it aims to cut carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and contribute to the European Commission’s Green Deal. ArcelorMittal scored an A- in the 2019 CDP Climate Change assessment, an improvement from C in 2017, which means the company has now reached leadership level.

iCARe^® family enhanced with 420 Save

To facilitate future developments in e-mobility, ArcelorMittal has expanded the iCARe^® range to include iCARe^® 420 Save. The number in the grade name indicates its high minimum yield strength – 420 MPa. The improved – and guaranteed – yield strength of 420 Save allows rotor design improvements which increase the overall performance of the electrical machine. iCARe^® 420 Save also has lower losses than the standard grades in the iCARe^® Save family.