One of the automotive industry's most sought-after innovation accolades – the 2025 Altair Enlighten Award – has been secured by AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings division and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO, in recognition of their collaborative development of a groundbreaking product designed to support NIO's ambitious 15-year EV battery longevity target.
Specifically engineered to safeguard electric battery bottom plates, this specially formulated product from the Interpon A1000 range will extend the lifespan of battery shielding coatings threefold compared to existing solutions, making AkzoNobel the first coatings company to claim the honour in the Sustainable Product category.
Rather than conventional charging methods, NIO allows drivers to rapidly swap a depleted EV battery for a freshly charged one at its automated Power Swap stations. However, frequent battery exchanges may subject the bottom plate to abrasion, corrosion and mechanical deterioration.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
More From News
Global spotlight on VWGA apprentice Tshililo Nelwamondo
Tshililo Nelwamondo has earned international acclaim after being named Volkswagen Group Africa’s Best Apprentice for 2026, recognised at the prestigious Best Apprentice Awards in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Stellantis South Africa partners with Social Coding to expand digital learning
Stellantis South Africa has partnered with Social Coding South Africa to widen access to coding, robotics and digital skills in communities where technology remains scarce.
RMI strengthens support for artisan excellence
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to artisan development by hosting the Second Annual South African National Artisan Awards Selection Committee Inception Meeting.
ComputerLogic refreshes PMCLogic to strengthen paint and materials control
ComputerLogic has introduced an updated version of PMCLogic, its fully automated paint and materials management platform for collision repair businesses.
From Nissan Legacy to Chery Vision: Rosslyn’s Transformation
The Rosslyn automotive plant in Pretoria, once a bastion of Japanese manufacturing strength, has entered a new phase under the stewardship of Chery Automobile.
BASF Coatings Becomes Surventis and Begins New Chapter as Independent Business
Surventis has officially launched as an independent company, marking the completion of its carve-out from BASF and positioning the former BASF Coatings business as a major global player in automotive coatings and surface treatment.