Investigation of changes in body-in-white components and their impact during the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles

In this study, the impact of improvements and modifications to the chassis framework components, referred to as the Body-in-White (BIW), during the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is examined. Additionally, the material requirements and structural differences compared to ICE vehicles are analyzed. In this context, the literature has been reviewed and presented in a structured flow. The battery requirement of EVs emerges as a factor that increases weight compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Although advancements in battery technologies have improved the maximum driving range of vehicles, they remain insufficient on their own, necessitating additional efforts towards vehicle lightweighting. The integration of these lightweighting efforts with new technologies has paved the way for the development of new production methods and assembly techniques. Studies examining the compliance of evolving vehicle structures with safety standards, as well as the impact of weight reduction on vehicle emissions, highlight the necessity of addressing this transformation holistically. Therefore, this study investigates the body-in-white structures of vehicles produced by various manufacturers, closely analyzing the changes in materials, weight reduction, and safety considerations during the ICE to EV transition process. Furthermore, the new production methods—such as pressing, welding, and assembly technologies—that companies have integrated into their mass production lines to contribute positively to this transition process and weight reduction have become another focal point of research. These innovations in part manufacturing methods have also played a significant role in the evolution of the body-in-white concept during the ICE to EV transition.