FEED - Fastener Excellence for Electrical Drivelines

Purpose and goal

The project FEED, Fastener Excellence for Electrical Drivelines, is a pilot study concerning screw connections for electric vehicle applications. The purpose has been to investigate the current state of knowledge and, if found necessary, plan for a follow-up project. The collaboration between the participating companies has led to a better overview of the area and a valuable network has been formed. The overall conclusion is that we know a lot but that the knowledge gaps are still large. A proposal to a follow-up project is under preparation .

Expected results and effects

A network with a wide range of knowledge has been established and important knowledge has begun to be gathered. Available information and experience are being compiled in a number of chapters that are accessible to project members. Some testing has been performed and a conference article has been presented at the Assembly Conference 2022. Several areas have been identified where more knowledge is needed. It is already clear that many electrical connections are not designed in a sufficiently robust way to withstand the mechanical loads they are subjected to in vehicles.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been governed by the informal network SFN (Swedish Fastener Network). With representatives from the Swedish automotive industry together with strategic suppliers, a competent project group has been created. Each company has contributed with knowledge and questions. RISE has contributed with some testing, strategic analysis and review of standards. They have also prepared for a follow-up project focusing on, among other things, testing under combined loads - something that is needed to evaluate different contact concepts before implementation in vehicles.