As the global automotive industry accelerates its transition toward electrification, vehicle design concepts are undergoing fundamental transformation. New energy vehicles (NEVs) are moving beyond traditional component-based assembly toward highly integrated structural systems, where lightweight design, safety, and long-term reliability have become core engineering priorities. In this context, fasteners—particularly stainless steel fasteners—are evolving from standardized components into critical structural elements influencing vehicle performance.

Against this industry backdrop, Fastener Expo Shanghai 2026 will take place on June 24–26, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Covering 70,000 square meters, the exhibition is expected to attract 1,400+ exhibitors and 25,000+ professional visitors. A dedicated feature area, “Stainless Steel Fasteners for Lightweight Applications in New Energy and Electric Vehicles,” will showcase the latest connection technologies across vehicle bodies, chassis systems, and battery structures.

Higher Performance Demands from New Energy Vehicles

The shift in powertrain architecture is redefining vehicle structures. With the adoption of CTP (Cell to Pack) and CTC (Cell to Chassis) designs, battery systems are becoming integral load-bearing components rather than independent modules. As a result, fastening points must withstand high-frequency vibration, repeated thermal cycles, and complex environments involving humidity, salt spray, and electrochemical corrosion.

Studies indicate that critical fastening points in NEVs require over 20% improvement in fatigue life, corrosion resistance, and connection stability compared with conventional internal combustion vehicles. Fastener reliability is now directly linked to vehicle safety and service life.

Stainless Steel Fasteners Gain Momentum in Lightweight Design

Lightweighting in NEVs is not simply about reducing mass, but about achieving higher strength-to-weight efficiency while maintaining safety margins. High-performance stainless steel fasteners—such as advanced austenitic, modified, and duplex grades—enable downsized designs without compromising load-bearing capacity.

According to data from international stainless steel organizations, the use of high-performance stainless steel fasteners in NEV chassis systems, battery frames, and body structures has continued to grow in recent years. Their superior corrosion resistance further enhances reliability in battery systems and cooling structures exposed to harsh operating conditions.

Industry Innovation and Platform Value

Chinese stainless steel fastener manufacturers are actively responding to these trends by optimizing material composition, cold forming processes, and heat treatment stability to meet NEV structural requirements. Stainless steel fasteners are increasingly evolving from standard products to system-oriented solutions tailored for electric vehicle architectures.

As a key industry platform, Fastener Expo Shanghai continues to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and collaboration. After fifteen editions, the show has been widely recognized as one of the world’s three leading fastener exhibitions, and in 2025 became the largest fastener trade show globally by exhibition area.

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2026 will further align with developments in new energy vehicles and advanced manufacturing, providing a global stage for technology exchange, application insights, and industry collaboration.

As the NEV market enters a phase of high-quality development, stainless steel fasteners are emerging as essential enablers of lightweight design, safety, and system reliability. In June 2026, industry stakeholders will once again gather in Shanghai to explore the future of fastening technology in the era of electric mobility.

Official Website: www.fastenerexpo.cn/en
Media Contact: Goblic Hu
Email: goblic.hu@ebseek.com
Phone: +86 138 1631 0340