Kautex Textron Secures Major Battery Housing Contract for BEVs from Leading Automaker
Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG (Kautex), a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has announced a significant contract win with a leading global automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the supply of a full-battery electric vehicle (BEV) thermoplastic composite lower battery housing unit. This unit is a key component within the company’s Pentatonic battery enclosure portfolio, which is specifically engineered for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The new order underscores Kautex’s growing influence in the e-mobility space and reinforces its position as a forward-thinking Tier One automotive supplier.
The lower battery housing unit ordered by the OEM will be used in a major BEV platform that spans several vehicle brands. Designed using thermoplastic composite materials, this advanced housing serves a dual role: it seals and protects the vehicle’s battery system while also meeting rigorous structural and thermal performance standards. These include resistance to crush and bottom impact forces, as well as external and internal fire safety tests. The component’s integration into multiple vehicle models demonstrates its versatility and Kautex’s commitment to scalable electric vehicle (EV) solutions.
A Smarter, Lighter, and Greener Solution
The product belongs to Kautex’s innovative Pentatonic product line, which includes a range of lightweight, customizable EV solutions constructed from either thermoplastic composites or composite-metal hybrids. These materials are chosen not only for their strength and durability but also for their environmental benefits. The thermoplastic composite lower battery housing offers substantial advantages over conventional metal alternatives.
Notably, the component enables weight reduction, which contributes to improved vehicle efficiency and extended driving range—critical factors for consumer adoption of electric vehicles. Moreover, the use of high-functionality thermoplastic materials allows for significant integration of parts, resulting in a simplified bill of materials and a lower overall cost. This kind of streamlined engineering reflects a growing industry trend toward multi-material platforms that blend cost-effectiveness, performance, and environmental sustainability.
The thermoplastic composite construction also enhances corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability without compromising on structural integrity. Its lower carbon footprint—both during production and vehicle operation—further supports global efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector.
Strong Industry Recognition and Continued Momentum
The new contract represents Kautex’s second major business win for its Pentatonic product line. The company previously secured its first order in January 2023 for a full-BEV underbody protection skid plate, which went into serial production in 2024. That initial success served as a springboard for broader adoption of Kautex’s thermoplastic solutions in the EV sector.
Since its debut, the Pentatonic platform has earned multiple industry accolades, cementing its reputation for technological excellence. Among the honors are the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Grand Innovation Award in Europe, and China’s prestigious Lingxuan and Gasgoo Innovation Awards. These awards speak to the global relevance and innovation embedded in the Pentatonic platform, which integrates safety, performance, and sustainability.
To validate its technology in real-world conditions, Kautex has deployed three test vehicles featuring full-BEV and hybrid Pentatonic enclosures across different continents. These test units, located in the United States, Japan, and Europe, have collectively logged over 100,000 miles. These trials serve as a critical proof of concept for the robustness of the Pentatonic enclosures under varying terrain and environmental conditions. The results bolster confidence among OEMs considering the adoption of Kautex’s lightweight thermoplastic solutions.
Leadership Commentary
Joerg Rautenstrauch, President and CEO of Kautex, highlighted the significance of the latest contract award, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our latest order from a leading automotive OEM, marking a significant milestone for Kautex. Our innovative BEV lower housing is a testament to our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and sustainability. This Pentatonic win is a reflection of our team’s hard work and creativity, and our unwavering focus on delivering value to our customers.”
This milestone aligns with Kautex’s strategic direction to drive innovation in electric mobility and cater to the evolving demands of global automakers. As electric vehicle adoption continues to surge worldwide, suppliers like Kautex play an increasingly critical role in helping OEMs meet consumer expectations for greener, smarter, and more efficient transportation.
About Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, Kautex operates as a Tier One automotive supplier with a global manufacturing footprint encompassing 30 plants in 13 countries. The company is historically known for its contributions to traditional and hybrid fuel systems, engine camshafts, and plastic industrial packaging. However, as the automotive sector undergoes a profound shift toward electrification and automation, Kautex has proactively expanded its offerings.
In the new era of mobility, the company is investing in the development of thermoplastic composite and composite-metal hybrid battery systems, as well as advanced cleaning systems for assisted and autonomous driving. This strategic pivot is positioning Kautex as a comprehensive partner for automotive manufacturers transitioning to next-generation vehicle platforms.
Kautex’s focus on innovation, environmental sustainability, and performance ensures that it remains at the forefront of industry transformation. The company’s continued success in securing contracts for its Pentatonic battery enclosures suggests a promising trajectory as electric vehicles become more central to the global transportation landscape.
In summary, Kautex Textron’s latest contract win is more than just a commercial success—it is a strong indicator of the company’s growing role in shaping the future of electric mobility. Through cutting-edge materials, rigorous performance standards, and a commitment to sustainability, Kautex is setting new benchmarks in the EV supply chain.
