Core Insights - The core message of the article highlights Li Auto's advancements in material research, showcasing its position as the leading company in self-developed materials within the automotive industry, with capabilities across a full spectrum of materials including steel, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, engineering plastics, elastomers, and composite materials [1][6]. Group 1: Material Development Achievements - Li Auto has the most extensive range of self-developed materials in the industry and is the only company in China with comprehensive self-research capabilities across various material categories [1][6]. - The company showcased dozens of materials at its recent Material Technology Day, including industry-first products such as ultra-high-strength aluminum plates and low-formaldehyde PU surfaces [1][6]. Group 2: Material Selection Methodology - Li Auto employs a "select, cultivate, and research" methodology for material development, ensuring high standards in material selection based on user safety and environmental considerations [3][8]. - The company collaborates with certified suppliers, such as those recognized by the LWG, to ensure the materials meet stringent safety and environmental standards [3][8]. Group 3: Collaborative Development - When existing market solutions do not meet performance targets, Li Auto collaborates with suppliers to develop new materials, exemplified by the creation of the LeS6 Ultra aluminum alloy, which has three times the yield strength of traditional aluminum alloys [4][9]. - Li Auto took on 70% of the cost increase associated with developing the LeS6 Ultra, which is now in mass production in the Li Auto i6 [4][9]. Group 4: Independent Research and Development - In cases where suitable materials are unavailable, Li Auto initiates independent research, as demonstrated by the development of a high-pressure fuel tank made from ultra-high-strength stainless steel, which underwent extensive testing over nearly four years [5][10]. - The new UFHS-X stainless steel material developed by Li Auto has a yield strength 100% higher than traditional 304L stainless steel and a 52% improvement in puncture resistance, although its development cost exceeded 10 million, six times higher than conventional materials [5][10].
理想汽车公布材料研发成果:从选育到自研,投入超1000万研发超高强不锈钢油箱材料