Covestro, Li Auto Collaborate to Develop Sustainable Materials for Next-Gen Vehicles

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by electrification, autonomous driving, and the shift toward a circular economy. Responding to these trends, materials manufacturer Covestro has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Li Auto, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, in the development of materials for future-oriented applications that enhance circularity and reduce carbon emissions across the automotive value chain.

“By combining Covestro's expertise in engineering plastics and circular solutions with Li Auto’s pioneering approach to smart and electric vehicles, we are poised to make significant strides toward a more sustainable future for mobility,” said Guido Naberfeld, senior vice president, head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro, during the MOU signing event at Covestro’s integrated production site in Shanghai.

Key initiatives of the joint venture involve the use of bio-circular content in automotive lighting, interior and exterior parts, and smart system components. Image courtesy of Li Auto.

Alternative feedstocks for automotive materials

Under the MOU, Covestro and Li Auto will establish a “joint innovation platform” to drive the development and application of more sustainable engineering plastics with alternative feedstocks, such as bio-waste and recycled sources, in various automotive components. Key initiatives will involve integrating materials attributed with bio-circular content through mass balancing into automotive lighting, functional interior and exterior parts, and smart system components. The two parties also agreed to explore innovative processes and business models for using recycled lighting materials in new automotive parts together with value chain partners.

Under the joint platform, the two sides also seek to deepen their collaboration in developing lighting, smart systems, and thermal management solutions. This will include high-performance optical-grade materials, smart surface technologies, novel in-mold structural electronics processes, and thermally conductive solutions.

Smart + Electric strategy

“Li Auto is dedicated to implementing the Smart + Electric strategy with innovative materials and designs, aiming to offer users a safer, more comfortable, convenient, and refined travel experience,” said Liao Mengjun, vice president of R&D operations at Li Auto. “Our partnership with Covestro will expedite our exploration in advanced materials, supporting the ongoing enhancement of user product demands.”

During the signing event, Covestro and Li Auto also unveiled two jointly developed materials — light-diffusing and infrared-transparent Makrolon polycarbonates (PCs). The light-diffusing PC allows for a more refined and evenly distributed illumination effect for smart headlights. Meanwhile, the new infrared-transparent PC achieves greater than 85% transmittance in the near-infrared spectrum. Compared to conventional black PC, which absorbs solar energy across the entire spectrum, this new material significantly enhances the light aging resistance of components, contributing to greater durability for the smart headlights of Li Auto.

Note: Covestro LLC will be exhibiting at The Battery Show North America at Huntington Place in Detroit, October 7 - 10, 2024.