Purem by Eberspächer hits 100,000-unit China production for steel EV battery housing, targets Europe

Purem by Eberspächer is set to introduce its high-strength steel battery housings to the European electric vehicle market, following the commencement of series production in China with volumes exceeding 100,000 units annually from mid-2026. The company plans to showcase this innovative technology at AABC Europe 2026 in Mainz, emphasising its potential as a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to the aluminium battery housings currently prevalent in EVs. By utilising higher-strength steel, Purem claims to achieve thinner walls that reduce weight below that of aluminium counterparts, while also lowering production costs and carbon emissions due to the material’s lower CO₂ intensity and enhanced recyclability. The initial production programme in China was secured through nominations from local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), highlighting strong regional demand for more sustainable and efficient battery enclosure solutions. For the European market, Purem has established a consortium to develop a stainless steel variant tailored to local requirements. This group, which includes partners such as Sphere Energy, Bertrandt, the Tillmann Group, Reinert, Baosteel Lasertechnik, and 3M, aims to create a design that eliminates the need for additional corrosion protection while maintaining crash resistance through specialised profiles and reinforcements. Purem is leveraging artificial intelligence in its tooling processes to accelerate the calculation of bespoke customer specifications and manufacturing adaptations, offering a faster alternative to traditional engineering methods. This approach reflects the company’s broader strategy of applying its expertise in materials processing and welding—gained from its role as the exhaust and acoustic systems division of the Eberspächer Group—to the development of EV battery enclosures. The move signals a significant step in diversifying materials and production techniques within the EV supply chain, potentially influencing future standards for battery pack manufacturing. The introduction of steel battery housings presents implications for both cost and environmental impact in the EV sector. By reducing reliance on aluminium, which is energy-intensive to produce, Purem’s solution could contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of electric vehicles. Additionally, the enhanced recyclability of steel aligns with broader industry goals of circularity and sustainability. As the European market prepares to adopt these new materials, the success of Purem’s consortium and the reception at AABC Europe 2026 will be key indicators of the technology’s potential to reshape battery housing design.