Society of Plastics Engineers Names Vehicle Innovation Finalists
The awards showcase advancements in braking, battery thermal barriers, and frunk design for electric vehicles.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Society of Plastics Engineers has identified three finalists for its Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Systems innovation award. These projects highlight technical improvements in vehicle weight reduction and manufacturing efficiency.
Why it matters
These innovations demonstrate how specialized material science and design adjustments directly contribute to the performance and cost-effectiveness of modern electric vehicles.
Finalists include a Chery electro-mechanical brake system that weighs 10% less than conventional setups, a Rivian R2 thermal battery barrier, and a GMC Hummer EV frunk featuring a 75 kg load capacity.
The players
Society of Plastics Engineers
This professional society provides programs and technical resources to advance the knowledge and application of plastics.
Chery
This Chinese automotive manufacturer produces passenger vehicles, SUVs, and commercial vehicles for global markets.
Rivian
This American automotive company specializes in the design and manufacturing of electric adventure vehicles.
GMC
This division of General Motors focuses on the production of trucks, SUVs, and electric utility vehicles.
The details
The Chery braking system for the Exeed EX7 removes hydraulic fluid and lines, while the Rivian R2 thermal barrier utilizes a spray transfer molding process. Additionally, the GMC Hummer EV frunk achieves a high-quality surface finish through one-shot compression molding that eliminates the need for carpeting.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Winners will be announced at the Automotive Innovation Awards Gala in Livonia, Michigan.
Roadmap
These finalists represent a shift toward lightweight, modular components that reduce vehicle mass and production complexity. This trajectory highlights the industry-wide transition toward integrating advanced thermoplastics to improve range and lower manufacturing costs.
These engineering developments could eventually lower the purchase price and improve the efficiency of consumer EVs. Increased cargo capacity in frunks and reduced maintenance requirements from hydraulic-free braking provide direct benefits to daily vehicle utility.
The takeaway
These engineering advancements emphasize the critical role of material science in optimizing the performance of modern electric vehicles. Buyers should look for these innovations in upcoming models as manufacturers continue to prioritize weight reduction and modular design.
What happens next
Winners will be announced at the Automotive Innovation Awards Gala on November 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more on industry advancements, see our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PlasticsToday.
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