Electric Vehicle Design Innovations Earn Recognition
New composite and braking technologies promise lighter, more affordable vehicles for future buyers.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Society of Plastics Engineers has named three finalists for its Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Systems innovation award. The shortlisted designs focus on lightweighting and performance, impacting upcoming electric vehicles like the 2026 Exeed EX7 and 2027 Rivian R2.
Why it matters
These engineering innovations aim to lower vehicle mass and manufacturing costs while enhancing safety features like battery thermal management. These shifts signal a broader trend toward more efficient, composite-heavy vehicle architectures in the electric segment.
Finalists include an electro-mechanical braking system for the Chery Exeed EX7, a mica-free thermal battery barrier for the Rivian R2, and a composite frunk for the GMC Hummer EV. These components aim to shave weight and reduce landed costs by up to 30%.
The players
Society of Plastics Engineers
An international professional society that sets standards for plastics technology and engineering.
Rivian
An American manufacturer known for its electric adventure vehicles and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Chery
A Chinese automotive company that develops electric and internal combustion vehicles for global markets.
GMC
A division of General Motors that focuses on SUVs and trucks, including its line of high-performance electric vehicles.
The details
The Exeed EX7 braking system replaces hydraulic fluid and lines with a hydrolysis-resistant polybutylene terephthalate housing, designed to withstand 2,000 N loads. The Rivian R2 thermal barrier utilizes a spray transfer molding process to protect its 4,695 battery cells. The Hummer EV frunk uses a one-shot compression molding technique to create a durable, carpet-free storage space capable of supporting 75 kg with minimal deflection.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Winners will be announced at the Automotive Innovation Awards Gala.
The Home Front
These engineering developments reflect a broader automotive shift toward lightweight composite materials to maximize battery range and lower production costs. This trend away from traditional heavier components is expected to define the next generation of EV platform efficiency.
Future EV buyers should monitor how these efficiency-focused design changes impact long-term repair costs and maintenance requirements for next-generation vehicle platforms. Owners of current electric vehicles should note that advances in composite materials may lead to faster, lower-cost part replacements in the coming years.
The takeaway
These engineering finalists highlight a significant pivot toward lighter, more cost-effective materials in electric vehicle design. As these technologies reach mass production, expect to see improved vehicle efficiency that lowers the total cost of ownership for future electric car buyers.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry on our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PlasticsToday.
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