BEHIND THE SCENES TECHNOLOGIES: Enabling the future of mobility
As the global automotive industry shifts toward EVs in both passenger and commercial categories, battery innovation is driving sector evolution, with pressure mounting on manufacturers to deliver faster charging and higher energy density batteries with improved lifetimes.
This transformation requires collaboration across the mobility ecosystem. Through advanced adhesive, sealing and thermal management technologies, Henkel is helping accelerate electric mobility by enabling rapid co-innovation across the EV value chain, working with manufacturers and suppliers to address the industry’ s most complex engineering challenges.
“ The shift from combustion engines to electric powertrains brings a different set of engineering challenges,” says Natasha Naidoo, Director Henkel Adhesives South Africa.“ Key EV components must meet demanding requirements for safety, thermal management, performance, cost efficiency and circularity.”
Thermal management at the core
Heat remains one of the biggest challenges facing EV battery systems, as poor heat dissipation affects performance, charging efficiency, longevity and safety. Henkel’ s thermal gap fillers and thermally conductive adhesives transfer heat away from critical components, supporting faster charging, longer battery life and more compact battery designs.
Integrated vehicle architecture
As the EV industry moves toward integrated‘ x-in-1’ platforms combining propulsion, charging and power conversion, Henkel’ s materials support batteries, inverters, onboard chargers, DC-DC converters and electric motors in increasingly compact, highperformance designs.
Henkel works with OEMs and battery manufacturers from early design through validation and testing, using its Battery Engineering Centres and advanced simulation tools to speed development and reduce time-to-market. Its portfolio— adhesives, sealants, tapes, thermal interface materials and coatings— also supports circularity through innovations like debonding-on-demand, easing battery repair, disassembly and recycling.
South Africa’ s opportunity
South Africa’ s established automotive manufacturing base and rising interest in sustainable transport position it well for the EV transition, especially as fuel costs push businesses and consumers toward efficient alternatives. But Naidoo notes that wider adoption depends on reliable, climate-resilient vehicle electronics and charging infrastructure— not just the vehicles themselves.
Through material innovation and industry collaboration, Henkel is helping build the foundation for next-generation electric mobility.
More information about Henkel’ s e-mobility solutions: E-Mobility | Henkel Adhesives | https:// www. henkel. co. za /
JUNE 2026 35 WORD IN ACTION