Hutchinson SA has developed an EPDM sealing material to improve the fire-safety of battery packs used in electric vehicles (EVs), the French group announced 29 March. Designed particularly for battery-pack gaskets and cooling circuit seals, the rubber is said to prevent coolant "from coming into contact with the cells and stop flames from spreading".

According to Hutchinson, the material can also be used for electric motor cooling applications and battery peripheral equipment. While avoiding the use of halogen flame retardants, the EPDM conforms to UL 94 V-0, the most stringent level of fire resistance, the statement continued.

The elastomer compound "guarantees an improved seal, better chemical compatibility and excellent low-temperature performance", added the French rubber products major. Hutchinson went on to note that the EPDM material could also find applications in "demanding" industrial and aeronautical applications.