Silicone hose is best known for turbo and intercooler lines, but it has found new roles in new energy vehicles too.
Why silicone
- Wide temperature range: stays elastic from about -60 °C to +250 °C, resisting cracking in cold starts and hot operation;
- Excellent aging and ozone resistance for long service life;
- Good electrical insulation, suitable near high-voltage components;
- Colorable, making it easy to distinguish circuits during assembly and service.
Typical uses
In NEVs, silicone hoses are used for connections in e-drive and power-electronics cooling circuits, flexible links near high-voltage components, PTC heater lines, and charge-air and cooling lines on the engine side of hybrids.
Note that silicone’s oil and tear resistance is lower than some synthetic rubbers. Selection should consider media and installation conditions, using an FKM liner or multi-ply reinforcement where needed.