Structural form, electrical function

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer body panels that store electricity could boost EV range or performance.

Designers of electric vehicles (EVs) face stark engineering realities that have so far yielded less-than-ideal driving range. Electrochemical batteries are large and heavy and, perforce, place a considerable drag on maximum EV range. Enabling motorists to travel farther before plugging in today's batteries requires EV builders to employ innovative ways to shed overall weight and free up space.

To help lightweight their distance-challenged designs, EV development teams have turned increasingly toward car structures made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials, which provide excellent strength-to-weight properties. Carbon composites are 50% lighter than steel for a given component while still providing superior strength and rigidity.