Electrify Expo LA: What Holds Electric Vehicles Together - Material Choice and Fasteners
We had the opportunity to attend the Electrify Expo in Los Angeles, the nation’s leading showcase for electric vehicles, clean energy, and next-gen mobility. Held under clear skies and buzzing with innovation, the expo was a glimpse into the electrified future of transportation—with a strong focus on sustainability, lightweight materials, and advanced engineering.
One of the standout exhibits was presented by Volvo, which displayed a fully stripped, color-coded EV chassis. The skeletal frame of the vehicle was a visual map of material science in action—highlighting the strategic use of mild steel, high-strength steel, ultra-high strength steel, aluminum extrusions, and aluminum castings. Each material serves a unique purpose: from impact resistance and passenger safety to weight reduction and structural rigidity.
Why Material Matters in EV Design
Electric vehicles demand precision in weight distribution and structural strength more than ever before. With batteries already adding significant weight, manufacturers rely on a hybrid composition of steel and aluminum to maintain performance, efficiency, and safety.
Ultra-high strength steel (red) is used in areas requiring maximum crash protection—such as door frames and side impact zones.
Aluminum extrusions (green) and castings (purple) are chosen for their light weight and resistance to corrosion, often found in the front and rear crash structures.
High-strength and extra-high strength steel (blue and orange) support load-bearing sections without adding unnecessary mass.
But just as important as the metals themselves are the fasteners that hold them all together.
EV Fasteners
Electric vehicle assembly relies on thousands of precision fasteners—each engineered to perform in high-vibration, high-heat, and often corrosive environments. From self-tapping screws in aluminum castings to high-torque bolts for suspension and battery modules, fasteners are critical in ensuring long-term durability and safety.
The use of dissimilar materials, like aluminum and steel, also presents challenges related to galvanic corrosion—demanding plated or coated fasteners, as well as the right torque specs and thread types to avoid failure.
Our Role in the EV Supply Chain
As EV platforms become more modular and materials more complex, sourcing the right fasteners is no longer a one-size-fits-all task. That’s where we come in.
We work with global manufacturers, auto parts distributors, repair shops, and DIY EV enthusiasts to source and deliver high-performance fasteners tailored to EV needs, including:
Corrosion-resistant fasteners for aluminum and mixed-metal joints
High-strength bolts and screws for battery trays and chassis modules
Specialty hardware for interior trim, underbody shielding, and electronics mounting
Custom solutions for prototype and low-volume production runs
We understand that fasteners are more than just components—they are the connective tissue that holds the future of mobility together.
Whether you’re building the next generation of EVs or repairing one, we work with you to get the right fastener, with the right spec, at the right time.
About U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company:
U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company (USFITC) is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between overseas fastener manufacturers and American industries. We specialize in sourcing and importing OEM fasteners. We have established a diverse supplier base throughout Asia, ensuring our clients have the right fasteners for their specific needs. We serve a variety of industries including automotive, construction, furniture manufacturing, electronics, marine, renewable energy, agricultural machinery, railways, telecommunications, aerospace, medical device, and dental implants.
Located in the Los Angeles area, we enjoy proximity to the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and easy access to the dynamic Pacific Rim economies. This strategic advantage allows for efficient goods handling, reduced costs, and a diverse range of high-quality imported products to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.
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