1. Hyundai partners with Toray Industries to explore the use of carbon fiber in electric vehicles.
2. Carbon fiber is strong and lightweight, ideal for energy-efficient applications.
3. Efforts are being made to develop sustainable, biobased carbon fiber for a greener future.
Hyundai has partnered with Toray Industries to explore the use of carbon fiber in electric vehicles. While carbon fiber is lightweight and strong, its petrochemical-based production can be a concern for the environment. The US Department of Energy believes that carbon fiber can enhance the efficiency of clean energy technologies. However, there have been efforts to develop a more sustainable, biobased supply chain for carbon fiber, with advancements in sorghum-derived carbon fiber and biobased epoxies for recycling.
Hyundai aims to use Toray’s material technology to strengthen its position in the global market for electric vehicles. The partnership is expected to result in new fiber-reinforced polymer parts for electric vehicle motors and batteries. Other companies, such as Ford and Volvo, are also incorporating sustainable materials into their electric vehicle manufacturing stream. Although plant-based carbon fiber may not immediately enter the automotive market, research is being done on its potential in other industries, such as building materials and motorsports. The use of recycled carbon fiber in McLaren’s F1 car showcases the gradual shift towards more sustainable materials in the automotive industry.