The global automotive noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) materials market size reached a value of about USD 14.5 billion in 2021. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach nearly USD 19.9 billion by 2027. These staggering figures highlight the significance of NVH materials in the automotive industry. As vehicles become more advanced and diverse, the role of NVH materials in providing a quiet, comfortable, and safe driving experience is more important than ever.
In recent years, one of the most significant shifts in the automotive industry has been the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs). As we move towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, EVs have taken the center stage. Their impact extends beyond just reducing emissions; they are transforming various aspects of vehicle design, including the way NVH materials are used and implemented.
This blog post aims to delve into the intriguing realm of NVH materials in the context of electric vehicles. We will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that EVs present to NVH engineers and how this revolution is shaping the NVH materials market.
NVH Challenges in Traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles
To understand the influence of electric vehicles on NVH materials, we must first comprehend the challenges faced by NVH engineers in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In ICE vehicles, the primary sources of noise, vibration, and harshness are the engine, transmission, exhaust system, and road-induced vibrations.
NVH materials, such as acoustic foams, dampers, and insulators, play a crucial role in dampening these unwanted sounds and vibrations. In ICE vehicles, reducing engine noise and controlling vibrations from the combustion process are paramount for achieving a quieter and more comfortable ride.
NVH in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles operate differently from traditional ICE vehicles, and this brings about a whole new set of NVH challenges. EVs are powered by electric motors that operate virtually silently, eliminating the engine noise associated with ICE vehicles. While this absence of engine noise contributes to a quieter cabin, it also amplifies other sources of noise that may have been less noticeable in ICE vehicles.
For example, road noise, wind noise, and noise generated by components such as HVAC systems and tire-rolling become more prominent in EVs. This heightened sensitivity to external noise necessitates a more comprehensive approach to NVH in electric vehicles.
Impact of EVs on NVH Material Usage
The shift to electric propulsion has a significant impact on the usage of NVH materials. In ICE vehicles, a substantial portion of NVH materials is dedicated to addressing engine and transmission noise. In contrast, EVs, with their quiet electric motors, allocate more resources to tackling other sources of noise.
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Increased Focus on Interior NVH: With the absence of engine noise, interior NVH becomes a top priority in EVs. Automakers must invest in materials that reduce wind and road noise to maintain the desired level of cabin comfort.
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Innovative NVH Solutions: NVH engineers are developing innovative materials and techniques specifically tailored to EVs. These include advanced acoustic insulators, active noise cancellation systems, and improved aerodynamics to reduce wind noise.
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Cost Considerations and Market Trends: As EVs gain popularity, cost considerations become more critical. NVH material suppliers are working on cost-effective solutions to meet the growing demand from EV manufacturers.
Challenges and Opportunities
The transition to electric vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities in the NVH materials market.
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Challenges in NVH Material Development for EVs: NVH engineers face the challenge of addressing new noise sources in EVs, including high-frequency noises that were previously masked by engine sounds. Developing materials that effectively address these challenges is essential.
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Opportunities for NVH Material Suppliers and Automakers: As the EV market expands, there are ample opportunities for NVH material suppliers to innovate and provide solutions tailored to the unique needs of electric vehicles. Automakers that excel in NVH comfort for EVs can gain a competitive edge in the market.
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Balancing NVH Improvements with EV Weight and Energy Efficiency: NVH materials add weight to vehicles, which can have implications for energy efficiency in EVs. Engineers must strike a balance between achieving NVH comfort and maintaining the vehicle’s overall performance and efficiency.
Sustainability and EV NVH Materials
In addition to addressing NVH challenges, the automotive industry is increasingly focused on sustainability. EVs are often perceived as more environmentally friendly due to their lower emissions, but sustainability extends to other aspects of vehicle manufacturing, including NVH materials.
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Eco-Friendly NVH Materials: NVH material suppliers are exploring eco-friendly materials, including recycled and bio-based options, to reduce the environmental footprint of automotive NVH solutions.
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Recycling and Disposal: The disposal of NVH materials at the end of a vehicle’s life is another consideration. Developing materials that are easier to recycle or reuse contributes to the industry’s sustainability goals.
Case Studies
To illustrate the practical applications of NVH materials in electric vehicles, let’s look at some real-world examples:
Case Study 1: Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3, one of the most popular electric cars globally, incorporates several NVH solutions to create a quiet and comfortable cabin. Tesla has developed a proprietary acoustic glass that reduces wind and road noise. Additionally, the Model 3 features advanced insulation materials and strategically placed damping materials to mitigate any remaining vibrations or noise.
Case Study 2: Nissan Leaf
Nissan’s all-electric Leaf model utilizes active noise cancellation technology to provide a serene driving experience. Microphones placed in the cabin pick up ambient noise, and the vehicle’s audio system generates sound waves to cancel out unwanted noise. This technology significantly contributes to the overall NVH comfort of the Leaf.
These case studies showcase how automakers are addressing NVH challenges uniquely in their electric vehicles, underscoring the importance of NVH materials in the EV market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the automotive NVH materials market is undergoing a transformation driven by the rise of electric vehicles. The global NVH materials market, valued at approximately USD 14.5 billion in 2021, is poised for substantial growth, with expectations to reach nearly USD 19.9 billion by 2027.
Electric vehicles, with their quiet electric motors, present new challenges and opportunities for NVH engineers and material suppliers. The shift to EVs places greater emphasis on interior NVH comfort, innovative materials, cost-effective solutions, and sustainability. It also requires a delicate balance between NVH improvements and the weight and energy efficiency of electric vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, NVH materials will play a crucial role in shaping the driving experience of electric vehicle owners. Whether it’s reducing road noise, wind noise, or enhancing overall cabin comfort, NVH materials are at the forefront of making electric vehicles quieter and more enjoyable to drive. In this era of EVs, the NVH materials market is not just growing; it’s evolving to meet the changing needs of the automotive industry and the expectations of discerning consumers.