Advanced Materials for a Greener, Smarter Future
Electric cars rely heavily on high-voltage connectors and electronics that must endure extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. With growing demand for halogen-free, flame-retardant materials in electric vehicle manufacturing, industry leaders are turning to new solutions. BASF has responded with a next-generation material—Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6, a polyamide 9T designed to improve safety, reduce electro-corrosion, and enhance long-term performance in electric and electronic (E&E) applications, especially in electric mobility.
Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6: Elevating Safety and Reliability
BASF’s Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 stands out for its non-halogenated flame retardant formulation that limits electro-corrosion of metal contacts. This makes it ideal for high-voltage (HV) connectors found in inverters, DC-DC converters, and EV batteries. The material offers high stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance—key for ensuring durability in warm, humid environments. Its excellent flowability enables thinner wall designs, supporting miniaturization without compromising strength. These features align with automotive industry trends focusing on reduced installation space and increased energy efficiency.
Real-World Applications in EV Connectors
KOSTAL Kontakt Systeme, a leading automotive supplier in Germany, has adopted Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 for its KS22 Class 4 HV connector, the smallest in its class. This high-performance connector benefits from the PPA’s superior electrical insulation, high elongation at break, and resistance to stress whitening. In performance tests, it maintains color stability even after 1,000 hours at 150°C. BASF also offers pre-colored variants, including the safety-critical orange RAL 2003, which simplify processing and comply with EV manufacturing standards.
Enhancing EV Manufacturing Through Smart Materials
Ultramid® Advanced N3U42G6 supports advanced manufacturing processes like surface mount technology (SMT) thanks to its low moisture uptake and high heat distortion temperature of 265°C. It preserves component shape and integrity during post-processing, reducing material waste and improving production efficiency. As part of BASF’s broader flame-retardant PPA portfolio, this innovation reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting electric powertrains, automotive battery systems, and consumer electronics. BASF continues to deliver material solutions that combine technical performance with safety and environmental responsibility.
