The Latest Challenge for EV Companies
As of 2021, several major automakers including Tesla, General Motors, and Ford have announced plans to build new EV plants or expand existing ones in the United States as demand for electric vehicles increases. Additionally, smaller companies and startups relatively unknown to the American public are entering the EV market and establishing production facilities in the US.
While an increase in Electric Vehicle Plants is sure to create employment opportunities, it will also generate a greater need for manufacturing facilities that specialize in the production of electric vehicles (EVs). Automakers are not “new” to the production model—they’re the progenitors of the assembly line approach to manufacturing. What they’re facing now, however, is the increased interest and need of stable, reliable, and substantial battery production to keep up with the demand.
Some of these plants may accommodate the entire production line of an electronic vehicle, including the assembly of batteries, electric motors, and all the other components that comprise a completed electric vehicle. Yet, regardless of how much of the vehicle’s completion a facility is responsible for, you can be sure that these plants will utilize advanced technology, robotics, and automation to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
At this point in time, the most vital and talked about component in any EV is the battery. And while most potential buyers are curious about longevity and effectiveness as it relates to mileage, replacement, recharging, or long-term environmental benefits, we at Quintec are focused on a different aspect: the process of assembling these batteries.
There are several stages to consider when thinking about how an EV battery is built.:
Procurement (of raw materials): This process involves obtaining the necessary materials such as lithium-ion cells, electrolytes, separators, and other components needed for battery production.
Sorting and testing (of cells): Battery cells are sorted based on their performance and capacity before being tested to ensure they meet specifications.
Cell packaging: After step #2 has been completed, the individual cells must be packaged together to form battery modules, which are the building blocks of a complete battery pack.
Module assembly: The battery modules are manufactured into a complete battery pack, which is what will eventually be used in the vehicle.
Quality control: The assembled battery pack undergoes various tests to ensure it meets the required performance, safety, and reliability standards established by the car manufacturer.
Packaging and shipment: If the battery assembly facility is separate from where the car’s assembly takes place, the completed battery pack is packaged and shipped to the electric vehicle assembly plant for integration into the vehicle.
It’s noteworthy that most of the stages listed above can be performed by technological systems which integrate software and automation. For example, Quintec can integrate the following technologies into just about any battery assembly facility whether brand new or in need of revamping.
When it comes to EV battery assembly, Quintec can supply…
Cell sorting technology: These machines sort cells based on their performance and capacity and reject cells that do not meet the required specifications.
Cell packaging machines: These machines bundle individual cells into battery modules, which become the central parts of a completed battery pack.
Assembly machines: These machines assemble the battery modules into a complete battery pack, which can eventually be integrated into the vehicle.
Testing software: These machines test the battery pack to ensure it meets the required performance, safety, and reliability standards.
Packaging machines: These machines package the final battery pack for shipment to the EV plant.
By implementing robotics that are monitored and controlled by computer systems, EV companies can significantly increase battery production efficiency and ensure consistent quality while also reducing overhead costs.
If you want to learn more about Quintec’s experience with similar systems and how we can serve your needs, solve your problems, or provide the most advanced upgrades, contact us today!
