Henkel adds specialty tapes and AI-powered adhesive simulation to its EV battery portfolio

Henkel is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) battery adhesives portfolio with the introduction of two innovative solutions unveiled at Battery Show Europe 2026. The company has launched Loctite Specialty Tapes, a new range of water-based, low-VOC tapes designed for various functions in battery assembly, including bonding, insulation, shielding, protection, and thermal management. These tapes are engineered for rapid and consistent application at production scale, marking a strategic extension of Henkel’s offerings beyond traditional liquid adhesives to include tape-based integration for specific assembly processes. In addition to the specialty tapes, Henkel has introduced Loctite Solve, an AI-driven platform that enables engineers to simulate adhesive formulations virtually, eliminating the need for physical prototyping in early development stages. This digital tool allows for the creation of virtual adhesive materials and the evaluation of their performance through digital twins, accelerating the design cycle and reducing time spent on material qualification. By moving critical decisions upstream, Loctite Solve aims to streamline innovation and enhance efficiency in adhesive development for EV batteries. Henkel is also showcasing its Bonderite functional coatings, which provide enhanced dielectric strength and thermal resistance for battery and power electronics components. Alongside this, the company is promoting thermally triggered debonding-on-demand technologies that facilitate the non-destructive separation of bonded battery parts, supporting repair, reuse, and recycling efforts. These advancements reflect Henkel’s commitment to sustainability and lifecycle management within the evolving EV battery market. Frank Kerstan, Head of E-Mobility Europe at Henkel, emphasised the significance of these portfolio enhancements, stating that the integration of specialty tapes and digital tools creates a comprehensive ecosystem. This ecosystem is designed to help customers accelerate innovation, mitigate risks, and achieve higher performance levels throughout the battery lifecycle. Henkel’s developments signal a concerted effort to address the complex demands of EV battery manufacturing through both material innovation and digital transformation.