Simoldes Cooperation Can Lead to a Production Phase

13. toukokuuta 2023

Valoe has received a new order from Simoldes Plásticos S.A.. The previous order was received just a few weeks ago. The purpose of the new project is to manufacture a prototype of a polymer-based solar electric window for a certain Stellantis passenger car model. The solar electric window produces electricity to extend the car's range and to support electronic devices such as air conditioning and the infotainment system.

"A Certain car model" means that the prototype must meet the approval requirements of a car model that is already well advanced in design. The dimensions of the prototype are exactly the correct dimensions of the "certain car model". Of course, the automotive industry does not want the special features of its new models to be made public prematurely. According to Stellantis' estimate, the model in question will be sold approx. 176,000 units/year.

The order for the prototype will not have a significant impact on the turnover or profit of the current fiscal year, but the project can bring a very considerable turnover when the car enters the market in 2025 and already in 2024. If the development of the cooperation between Valoe and Simolde continues as before, preparation for production will start no later than the previous year with investments in machines and equipment and significant by manufacturing test pieces. An amazing number of pieces are needed for homologation tests. Homologation means that the cars that go on sale are tested and approved by the authorities part by part, and parts cannot be changed after approval. Valoe learned a lot about the routines of the automotive industry with the Sono Motors´ Sion car. The quality standard ISO 9001 was mandatory, and Valoe had already come a long way in acquiring the automotive industry's own certificates. The next goal is a standard that is only available at the Uusikaupunki car factory in Finland.

In the automotive industry, it is typical that the manufacturer, in this case probably Stellantis, pays for the manufacturing equipment investments. A solar-electric window requires its own customized manufacturing equipment, and Valoe, at least for the time being, is the only one able to offer the entire technology related to manufacturing. If Valoe continues to succeed in cooperation with Simoldes and Stellantis stays on schedule, machine orders should be expected for Valoe in 2024.

"Such fully integrated photovoltaic systems will be part of electric mobility. Photovoltaic systems are integrated into the car's body and windows. This kind of new technology could make motor vehicles as contributors to the transition into greener energy production instead of being only energy users For us, cooperation with a significant and future-oriented partner like Simoldes is very significant," says CEO Iikka Savisalo. "Valoe strives to increase its knowledge and skills to be readywhen the market opens up."

Júlio Grilo, Research and Innovation Head, Simoldes Plásticos S.A.: "We have had the pleasure of working with Valoe in our previous projects. Simoldes and Valoe share the view that the utilization of solar energy is one of the most important innovations in the vehicle industry. Valoe's ability to use polymers as the basic material for its solar panels is unique. Simoldes can hopefully use Valoe's solar panels in several large projects. It is important to us that together with Valoe we can once again offer better service and product innovations to our customers in the automotive industry."

Simoldes Plásticos S.A. is a Portuguese company, subsidiary of Simoldes Group, with 22 manufacturing sites in 13 different countries. Simoldes is Europe's largest mould maker, supplying plastic injection moulds and plastic components for the automotive industry. Simoldes Group's main customers are worldwide automotive manufacturers like Stellantis (Peugeot, Citröen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo), Renault, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi. https://www.simoldes.com/en/plastics/

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