Boron Era Begins in Automotive

In fact, we should say that the age of both boron steel and boron battery has begun in the automotive industry.

In this article, I would like to talk about what Boron Steel is and its increasingly widespread use in the automotive industry.

The widespread use of boron in the automotive industry has started and accelerated.

What is Boron Steel?

Boron is useful as an alloying element in many materials in the automotive industry. Boron, a naturally occurring element, has many application areas. Boron steel is steel alloyed with a small amount of boron. Boron steel can be made by adding small amounts (from one-tenth to 1 per cent). This increases the toughness of the alloy. It is widely used in making ultra-high strength steel. The yield point of boron steel is between 1,350-1,400 N/mm2 (roughly 16,000 - 23,000 psi). This is four times higher than the average high-strength steel. It is widely used in automobiles.

Boron Steel in Automobiles

Car manufacturers have responded to new vehicle safety regulations and higher fuel prices in part by increasing car body rigidity and reducing weight. This has had a good result in terms of safety and fuel economy. These goals were achieved by combining engineering, materials development and production. Advanced steels, new forming processes and new press concepts were adopted to reduce weight and increase crashworthiness. Boron steel played a crucial role here.

Boron steel is extremely strong but at the same time very light. The strength of boron steel is four times higher than the average high-strength steel.

The automobile industry has long been interested in using boron as an alloy. Making boron-based steel can be done with cheaper materials than using a different alloy. It is commonly used to add strength to sill, roof, centre pillars, chassis, door reinforcement bars, safety bars, interior pillars, instrument panels and dashboard cross members.

Increase in Demand for Boron Steel in Automotive Industry

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for automotive parts containing Boron steel due to the increased use of hybrid or electric vehicles. This trend is expected to grow further due to increasing awareness of environmental issues. 

In addition, according to the International Energy Agency, the share of electric passenger cars worldwide increased from 1% in 2010 to 15% in 2018. By 2030, it is estimated that around 50 million electric vehicles will be sold annually. The growth rate of electric vehicle sales could increase up to 20 times in the 2020-30 period. The automotive market will reach an estimated annual volume of around 170 billion in 2030. Vehicle batteries are also estimated to reach a volume of around 20 billion in 2030. This corresponds to a mega market volume of approximately USD 190 billion per year.

Accordingly, the production of batteries for these vehicles requires higher quantities of raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, etc., which are mainly sourced from China. However, the supply chain of these metals is highly sensitive to geopolitical risks. Therefore, the need for alternative raw material sources is gaining importance. The demand for Boron steel is increasing significantly to meet the need for multi-car production. Boron steel will be required for the metal components of the batteries, and related boron derivatives will be required for the internal structure of the batteries.

Volvo Cars now Made with Boron for Extra Strength and Safety

Volvo cars are known for their promise of safe and secure results, and boron makes a significant contribution to fulfilling this expectation. Popular models such as the S90 saloon or XC90 mid-size SUV offer the driver reassurance wherever they go.

2023 GMC Sierra Uses Hot Pressed Boron Alloy Steel

The first 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is being launched by GMC in co-operation with American Expedition Tools (AEV), blazing a new trail in off-road capabilities, luxury and technological advances. Hot-pressed boron alloy steels were used to provide high strength to the underbody.

How Boron Increases Tesla's Range, Strength and Performance

Tesla manufactures electric cars and battery energy storage, from home to utility-scale, solar panels, solar roof tiles and other products and services. With a market capitalisation of approximately $1 trillion, Tesla is one of the world's most valuable car manufacturers. It uses lithium (battery) and boron (neodymium) magnets to provide alternative energy sources and boron to provide a lighter, more muscular frame. In addition, boron steel is used in critical structural parts of Tesla's body, increasing both the weight and strength of the car, but also increasing its performance by lightening the vehicle. Boron increases both the range, strength and performance of Tesla.

World Cars Will Be Predominantly Electric Cars By 2030

By 2030, the majority of the world's roads will have electric vehicles. This shift is driven by several factors, including technological advances, changing consumer preferences and stricter emissions regulations. The benefits of electric cars are also numerous. They are cheaper to run and maintain than petrol-powered vehicles and produce no emissions. Electric cars also have the potential to reduce our dependence on oil, as they can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Boron will be critical and essential in increasing the range, strength and performance of electric vehicles, as in the case of Tesla.

Ford Motors Uses Boron Steel Bodywork

Automotive manufacturers, including Ford, are capitalising on boron's high tensile strength to build stronger, safer and lighter cars. Boron steel is a key component in the pillars and structural elements of the Ford Fiesta and other car brands.  Boron steel is also used in applications in different structural parts in current models such as Ford Taurus, Transit Connect, Flex, Mustang, F150 and Focus, as well as Lincoln MKS.