Mexican Media Brands
Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composite Developed for Toyota EV Concept
Reduced weight is advantageous for EV application
#hybrid
.jpg;width=70;height=70;mode=crop)
Share
Concept cars always have features that are not part of existing production vehicles (which is why they are concepts and not things like “production-intent vehicles”), but which, quite possibly, can make it into production. Here’s one that fits that description:
Toyota Boshoku Corp., an interior components supplier to guess who, tapped materials supplier Covestro to work with it in developing a new polyurethane composite material for use in an electric concept car developed by Toyota, the LQ.
The Toyota LQ, an electric concept vehicle (Image: Toyota/Covestro)
What is interesting about this material is that it is a two-component polyurethane (Baypreg F NF) that is reinforced with kenaf, a plant fiber that Toyota Boshoku has experience working with.
The resulting kenaf fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam has an area density of less than 1 kg/m2 and high strength. The door trim that is made with the material is 30% lighter than conventional materials used for the application.
Mass reduction is particularly important in electric vehicles as less mass to move means the opportunity for longer range.
Door trim components in the LQ are made with a kenaf-reinforced polyurethane foam developed by Toyota Boshoku and Covestro. (Image: Toyota/Covestro)
In addition to which, the use of the cost-effective, natural fibers is an advantage in terms of sustainable production.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Fuel Cells, Battery Enclosures, and Lucid Air
A skateboard for fuel cells, building a better battery enclosure, what ADAS does, a big engine for boats, the curious case of lean production, what drivers think, and why Lucid is remarkable
-
GM Develops a New Electrical Platform
GM engineers create a better electrical architecture that can handle the ever-increasing needs of vehicle systems
-
Multiple Choices for Light, High-Performance Chassis
How carbon fiber is utilized is as different as the vehicles on which it is used. From full carbon tubs to partial panels to welded steel tube sandwich structures, the only limitation is imagination.
