Jotun launches new powder coatings technologies to safeguard batteries

Growing concerns about climate change have resulted in increasingly strict regulations, including those targeting road transportation which accounts for 15 percent of global carbon emissions. These regulations have created a surging market for Electric Vehicles  (EVs).  In fact, according to the IEA Global EV Outlook (2023), annual EV sales are expected to surpass 40 million units by 2030, with the total battery manufacturing capacity reaching 4548 GWh. 

At present, China is the world leader in the manufacture of both lithium-ion batteries and EVs. And with a national mandate to make EVs account for 25 percent of all road traffic in China by 2030, growth in this dynamic market is expected to accelerate. Investments in EVs are also increasing rapidly in other parts of the world, notably in the US and Europe.  At the same time, increased private and public investments in renewable energy, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power, have created a strong demand for batteries for Energy Storage Systems (ESS). 

According to Mehmet Ali Kamacıoğlu, Jotun’s Global Sales & Marketing Director for Powder Coatings, these developments have ushered in a period of rapid innovation in battery technology and production processes. “Jotun chemists and sales and marketing personnel in China worked closely with leading battery manufacturers to engineer powder coatings systems to support their objectives,” he says. “Specifically, we focused on developing powder coating solutions for electrical insulation, thermal management, fire protection and corrosion protection to deliver longer battery life, higher safety and increased efficiency.”

Safety first

Launched in 2025, Jotun’s EV Battery Solutions are made up different  products used to protect and insulate various components of a battery pack, contributing to improved safety. For example, when exposed to high temperatures, the structure of a battery can be destabilised, resulting in what is known as a “thermal runaway” -- a particular risk for EVs.

“If not insulated properly, batteries can catch fire or in some cases, explode,” says Kamacıoğlu.  “And without adequate protection batteries also face corrosion risk, which can impact performance and safety. Previously, manufacturers used a combination of plastic compounds and specialised liquid paints to protect and insulate  batteries, but these solutions tend to be resource intensive, expensive and unstable.”

Extending battery life

Another concern for OEMs is battery durability. Kamacıoğlu notes that EV batteries are exposed to moisture, salt, chemicals and mechanical damage from road surfaces. “Powder coatings can be used to coat various elements in a high voltage battery pack, which are subject to  thousands of charge and discharge cycles over its lifetime under a wide range of environmental conditions,” he says. “Our powder coating systems are engineered to provide more reliable electrical insulation, thermal management and corrosion protection to increase durability while also maintaining the integrity of the electrical circuit.”

With demand for batteries increasing, manufacturers are also looking to improve production efficiency and sustainability performance. “By identifying the correct coatings system and application processes, manufacturers can avoid production delays,” he says. “Jotun’s advanced powder coatings solutions, supported by our technical support teams, ensures a ‘right first time’ coating system with less complexity. And because powder coatings are solvent-free, they help companies comply with limits on volatile organic compounds.” 

Energy Storage Systems

Kamacıoğlu notes that Jotun’s powder coatings technologies for EVs also apply to Energy Storage Systems. “Producing  energy from renewables requires a lot of battery packs to store energy, which are often built into containers located on site,” he explains. “In addition to providing solutions for battery packs that ensure good electrical insulation, Jotun can also  provide protection for other parts of these units, including powder coating systems engineered for highly aggressive environments rated C5VH or CX, according to ISO 12944.”

Kamacıoğlu says that Jotun’s partnership with leading Chinese battery manufacturers for EVs has helped the company develop expertise in this growing market.  “We recognise that battery technology is evolving rapidly, so by working in close collaboration with customers, we can engineer products to meet the needs of different stakeholders and build competence in this rapidly changing industry,” he says. “Making batteries safer and helping to extend their lifecycle is not only good business it is also consistent with Jotun’s own sustainability ambitions.”