Driven by "dual carbon" goals, the demand for lightweighting in new energy vehicles (NEVs) is increasingly urgent. Recently, high-performance composites based on silicone resins have emerged prominently in automotive lightweighting, becoming a favorite under the hood and throughout the body. Compared to traditional metals, silicone resin-based composites offer significantly lower density (weight reduction up to 40%), excellent high and low-temperature resistance (-60°C to 250°C), outstanding electrical insulation and flame retardancy, and good design and processing flexibility.

Leading automakers like Tesla and NIO are exploring or applying silicone resin composites to manufacture battery pack upper covers, motor controller housings, high-voltage connector insulation components, and even some exterior trim parts. For example, a new battery pack upper cover using silicone composite panels instead of metal not only drastically reduces weight but also significantly improves battery system safety through its superior insulation and flame retardancy. Furthermore, the excellent flow properties of silicone resins enable the production of complex-shaped lightweight structural parts, offering greater freedom to automotive designers. This "plastic replacing steel/aluminum" trend is effectively reducing overall vehicle energy consumption and extending driving range.