Hyundai adopts JIOS Aerogel's Thermal Blade for EV battery safety
Hyundai and Kia to use Thermal Blade for safer electric vehicles
Hyundai adopts JIOS Aerogel's Thermal Blade for EV battery safety
JIOS Aerogel's Thermal Blade, an aerogel insulation, will be used in Hyundai and Kia EVs to prevent thermal runaway in batteries, enhancing safety from 2027.
2026-01-21T23:51:22+03:00
2026-01-21T23:51:22+03:00
2026-01-21T23:51:22+03:00
JIOS Aerogel has announced a major contract with Hyundai Motor Group. The Thermal Blade material, designed to prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, will be used in next-generation Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, as well as in specialized PBV models.The agreement follows Hyundai's official tender process. Mass production of components will begin in June 2027, and the project is set to last at least 12 years, highlighting the group's long-term plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup.What is Thermal Blade and why it mattersThermal Blade is an ultra-thin thermal insulation barrier based on silica aerogel. It is placed between battery cells and serves to slow or prevent heat spread during battery failure scenarios.Aerogel is considered one of the most effective materials for combating thermal runaway due to its extremely low thermal conductivity and high-temperature resistance. Its use enhances battery safety without significantly increasing the weight or size of the battery pack.The hub-and-spoke business modelThe Hyundai contract is the first major project implemented under JIOS's hub-and-spoke business model. This approach centers on centralized production of aerogel powder at a plant in Korea, with subsequent supply of this raw material to licensed partners who manufacture the finished thermal insulation components.This scheme allows JIOS to maintain strict quality and cost control without investing in building numerous assembly plants worldwide, while automakers gain components tailored to regional requirements.Implications for Hyundai, Kia, and the EV marketFor Hyundai and Kia, adopting Thermal Blade is a step toward improving the passive safety of electric vehicles amid tightening regulatory requirements and growing scrutiny of battery incidents. This technology is particularly crucial for commercial and specialized PBV models, where reliability and fire safety are paramount.
JIOS Aerogel, Thermal Blade, Hyundai, Kia, electric vehicles, battery safety, thermal runaway, aerogel, EV technology, PBV models
2026
Michael Powers
news
Hyundai and Kia to use Thermal Blade for safer electric vehicles
JIOS Aerogel's Thermal Blade, an aerogel insulation, will be used in Hyundai and Kia EVs to prevent thermal runaway in batteries, enhancing safety from 2027.
Michael Powers, Editor
JIOS Aerogel has announced a major contract with Hyundai Motor Group. The Thermal Blade material, designed to prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, will be used in next-generation Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, as well as in specialized PBV models.
The agreement follows Hyundai's official tender process. Mass production of components will begin in June 2027, and the project is set to last at least 12 years, highlighting the group's long-term plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup.
What is Thermal Blade and why it matters
Thermal Blade is an ultra-thin thermal insulation barrier based on silica aerogel. It is placed between battery cells and serves to slow or prevent heat spread during battery failure scenarios.
Aerogel is considered one of the most effective materials for combating thermal runaway due to its extremely low thermal conductivity and high-temperature resistance. Its use enhances battery safety without significantly increasing the weight or size of the battery pack.
The hub-and-spoke business model
The Hyundai contract is the first major project implemented under JIOS's hub-and-spoke business model. This approach centers on centralized production of aerogel powder at a plant in Korea, with subsequent supply of this raw material to licensed partners who manufacture the finished thermal insulation components.
This scheme allows JIOS to maintain strict quality and cost control without investing in building numerous assembly plants worldwide, while automakers gain components tailored to regional requirements.
Implications for Hyundai, Kia, and the EV market
For Hyundai and Kia, adopting Thermal Blade is a step toward improving the passive safety of electric vehicles amid tightening regulatory requirements and growing scrutiny of battery incidents. This technology is particularly crucial for commercial and specialized PBV models, where reliability and fire safety are paramount.
