PU_PA EV electric vehicle
Materials used by Teijin Group
At the end of March, Teijin Group, specialists in the arenas of synthetic fibers, films, and plastics, unveiled an extremely lightweight electric concept car fabricated with proprietary materials and technologies. These materials include carbon fiber composites, polycarbonate resins, and bio-derived polyester.
Dubbed the PU_PA EV (see photo), the vehicle weighs just 437 kg and is reportedly Teijin’s forecast of what vehicles will look like in five to ten years. It achieves a cruising speed of 60 km/hour and a cruising range of 100 km while maintaining the necessary functionality and structural integrity of a practical automobile.
In order to keep weight at bay, the car body relies on a core structure of carbon-fiber composite material. The windows employ a polycarbonate resin with a heat absorbing function. According to the company, the polycarbonate resin weighs about half as much as glass. To reduce parts counts to approximately 20 pieces, fabrication of single-piece molding modularized parts is via a single-piece molding (see diagram). The design also involves a bit of biotechnics such as the interior items, i.e., seats, floor mats, etc., which are made of a bio-derived polyester.
With acknowledgement of environmental issues, a metal-toned TEFLEX PET film performs as an alternative to chrome plating and TEONEX polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) fiber tire cords keep external road noise to a minimum. Additionally, multi-component communication within the vehicle is via a CELL FORM two-dimensional communication sheet. For further information, call Teijen Ltd., Japan at +81-3-3506-4055 or visit http://www.teijin.co.jp/English.