Nippon Steel’s High Corrosion Resistance Sheet, Eco-Coat S Adopted to GM’s EV

Nippon Steel announced on Wednesday the firm’s steel sheet for automotive fuel tank, named Eco-Coat S, was adopted to GM’s electric vehicle, Chevrolet Volt. American automobile makers had adopted plastic fuel tank to most cars. Nippon Steel improved corrosion resistance, workability and environmental design of the sheet through technological partnership with Spectra Premium Industry, Canadian tank maker. Eco-Coat S was adopted for the first time in the U.S.A. Nippon Steel estimates the sales at several ten tonnes per month and aims to appeal the product to US and European automobile makers.

Nippon Steel started the sales of Eco-Coat S in 2005. The sheet is coated by tin and zinc. The coating is precisely processed to show higher corrosion resistance than conventional metal products. Automotive fuel is recently shifting to biodiesel or bioethanol blend fuel those which represent high corrosive properties. Eco-coat S brings out high corrosion resistance and extends life-span of fuel tank. The sheet can be formed into complex shapes by using high-tension steel sheet or simulation technology. Additionally the product is recyclable. Eco-Coat S has been adopted by major automobile makers in Japan and at overseas. The accumulative production exceeds 200,000 tonnes.

Chevrolet Volt can run 56 kilometers on a charge with support of small gasoline engine’s electric generation. The fuel tank’s capacity is about 35 litters and the steel wall is 1 millimeter thick.