ArcelorMittal : launches the second generation of its iCARe® electrical steels

iCARe® offers more power and driving range for electric motors

Berlin, 2 June 2017 - ArcelorMittal is officially launching the second generation of its iCARe® electrical steels at this year's coil-winding expo CWIEME in Berlin, from 20 to 22 June 2017. iCARe® steel grades play a central role in the construction of electric motors which are used in both electric vehicles and conventional cars.

ArcelorMittal launched iCARe®, its first electrical steel product range designed specifically to meet the requirements of the electric vehicle, at CWIEME in June 2012. For electric vehicles, the advantages of the new, second generation grades are the reduced use of electricity at all levels of performance, greater strength, less heat generation and improved magnetic properties. This results in improved engine performance and ultimately an increased driving range.

'The main challenge today continues to be the limited distance over which an electric car can be driven', said Sigrid Jacobs, worldwide development director for ArcelorMittal's electrical steels. 'That is why we support manufacturers of drive systems in their efforts to develop more efficient and better-performing motors by using improved materials like the new iCARe® steels.'

The second generation of iCARe® steels makes improved power density possible, compared with the first generation. This is reflected in less weight for the same motor performance, which in turn results in increased driving range.

This also applies to the many small motors on board the car, because an improved energy balance saves electricity and thereby extends the range. Sigrid Jacobs added: 'The introduction of iCARe® into automobile construction allows the industry to bring more power and more driving range into the picture.'

The market for e-cars and e-bikes in Europe is growing strongly, and the number of electric motors used in both conventional and electric cars is also on the increase. In an average-priced conventional car, there can be as many as 70 electric motors, operating everything from power windows, to headlight controllers, to power seat positioners. Luxury cars raise the number of motors to more than 100.

Press contact: Arne Langner, +49 221 5729 219, arne.langner@arcelormittal.com