BMW readies carbon-fiber vehicle structures for MY2014

The partnership with SGL Composites is already making parts for the 2014 BMW i3 and i8. AEI visited the pioneering U.S. carbon-fiber plant and witnessed a potential emerging challenger to aluminum for vehicle lightweighting.

Soon after BMW AG launched development of its new family of electrified vehicles in 2008, the automaker's leadership took a calculated risk that could give the company a significant lead in the EV and hybrid space going forward.

To offset the typical mass burden of lithium-ion battery packs, it was decided that the cars' entire passenger-compartment structure will be molded in strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced composite. The CF passenger cell-half the density of aluminum and 80% lighter than steel-will be mated to an aluminum-intensive chassis. Exterior body panels will be thermoplastic.