Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composite Developed for Toyota EV Concept
Reduced weight is advantageous for EV application
#hybrid
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.
![Toyota LQ concept](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/abg/2020-abg/notable-covestro.jpg;maxWidth=385)
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.
![Toyota LQ interior](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/ABG/2020-ABG/notable-covestro2.jpg;maxWidth=385)
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.
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