article thumbnail

BMW and SGL to triple production capacity at Moses Lake carbon fiber plant with $200M expansion; world’s largest carbon fiber plant

Green Car Congress

A production line for carbon fiber takes the PAN precursor through two stages (stabilization/oxidation and carbonization) and then to winding. The site expansion, scheduled to be completed by early 2015, will make the plant in Moses Lake the world’s largest carbon fiber plant. 3,000 tons of carbon fiber.

article thumbnail

Swedish researchers explore use of carbon fiber as active electrode in structural battery for electric vehicles

Green Car Congress

Woven carbon fiber can act as an electrode for lithium ion batteries. Researchers in Sweden are exploring the use of carbon fiber as an active electrode in a multifunctional structural Li-ion battery in an electric car; i.e., electrical storage is incorporated into the body of the car.

article thumbnail

Enter BMW — with Carbon Fiber

Revenge of the Electric Car

2009 BMW Concept ActiveE. BMW MegaCity Urban Electric Car To Be Built of Carbon Fiber. First, the raw feedstock to make carbon fibers–just call it a “polacrylonitrile-based precursor&# –is made in Japan by a joint venture between SGL and Mitsubishi Rayon and flown to the U.S. April 7th, 2010.

article thumbnail

New Audi electric urban concept

Green Car Congress

Audi has unveiled a new electric urban concept—a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion and a lithium-ion battery supplies the energy. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats.

Audi 218
article thumbnail

Chevrolet Mi-ray Roadster concept features hybrid “Mid-Electric” propulsion system

Green Car Congress

Chevrolet introduced the Mi-ray concept at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. The Mi-Ray concept. The Mi-ray features a concept “mid-electric” propulsion system, located primarily behind and beneath the driver. kWh lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking energy. Click to enlarge.

Chevrolet 186
article thumbnail

Audi presents A6 L e-tron PHEV concept at Auto China in Beijing

Green Car Congress

The A6 L e-tron PHEV concept. Audi is presenting the Audi A6 L e-tron concept at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle. The Audi A6 L e-tron concept delivers sporty performance. Click to enlarge.

Audi 253
article thumbnail

BMW unveils third i concept model: i8 Concept Spyder plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

BMW i8 Concept Spyder. Following on the presentation of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept coupé at the Frankfurt show in 2011 ( earlier post ), the BMW Group has introduced a third i Model: the BMW i8 Concept Spyder. Like the i8 coupé concept, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with eDrive is a plug-in hybrid.

Concept 303