While the automotive industry has struggled these past two years with declining sales, bankruptcies and consolidations grabbing the headlines, there is a growth trend in the industry that can’t be ignored – the electric vehicle. Automotive OEM’s are gearing up to supply the automotive consumer with the latest and greatest technology in electric vehicles (EV), plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The technology and components required for these sustainable cars are unique and many have never been mass produced before. The buildings and facility infrastructure required to support this mass production are unique as well, especially when it comes to the manufacture of lithium-ion (L-I) batteries.

L-I batteries are not new. We’ve used them for years in our portable electronic gear and laptop computers, but their application in electric vehicles represents an exponential leap in demand and production. L-I batteries are manufactured in clean controlled environments where relative humidity levels are maintained at 2% or less, with a growing trend toward even drier environments as low as ½%RH for select steps in the battery manufacturing process. These dry environments require special consideration be given to vapor control and the control of static electricity, as electrostatic discharge can damage sensitive electronic equipment and bring production equipment to a halt. Of course, energy costs to operate special dehumidification equipment and room ventilation systems are high, and the cost of energy never seems to go down.

Applying creative engineering techniques such as cascading desiccant dehumidification ventilation systems can reduce capital equipment costs and save thousands in annual operating costs. Kahn designers and engineers are excited about the challenges these trends pose for our profession, for they allow us to combine creativity, innovation and engineered solutions to the manufacture of a sustainable product. The electric and hybrid-electric vehicle industry has been characterized as the wild wild west, with expectations of rapid growth and new technology development at every turn. What are the challenges you see in this exciting field and where do you see this market going?