The launch of the i3 has changed the conversation about the future application of carbon fibre in vehicle structures
Champagne corks popped in Leipzig in October 2017 as BMW celebrated the manufacture of its 100,000th i3, which features a monocoque made from light and stiff, but expensive, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Yet, despite a positive critical reception, the hybrid-electric vehicle has not exactly been a runaway success in terms of sales since its introduction in late 2013, probably owing to its high price in comparison with its competitors. So what does this mean for the use of CFRP in mass-market vehicles? Is there a case for carbon fibre?
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Carmakers are increasingly looking into ways of reducing the environmental impact of their vehicle manufacture – and one way to do this is by using more recycled materials in their cars. But how can they go about this?
The initiatives aim to increase recycled content in new vehicles while establishing a closed loop for the relatively expensive and scarce minerals in EV batteries.
The carmaker says it is working to increase the proportion of recycled materials in its car fleet to an average of 40% by 2030
