High-End Vehicles Benefit from Carbon Fiber’s Unique Properties
In the competitive automotive industry, manufacturers strive to differentiate their vehicles from others through distinctive features. These can include special editions, unique wheels, and aesthetic details. Among these sought-after components is carbon fiber, a synthetic material highly valued and reserved for premium models.
This composite fiber, made of tiny carbon atom-based filaments, achieves a level of rigidity and strength comparable to steel but with the significant advantage of being lightweight. Due to its properties, carbon fiber is employed across various industries such as aerospace, space exploration, and automotive.
Thanks to its low weight and high torsion level, BMW used this material in the structure of one of its most sought-after supercars, the i8.
Common Applications in Vehicles
Carbon fiber is most commonly found in vehicle components such as the hoods (to reduce car weight), spoilers, side mirror casings, and various exterior parts. It is also used for interior inserts like gearshift boot covers. In high-end and sporty models, with reinforcement and resin, carbon fiber can even shape the entire vehicle’s monocoque. BMW, for instance, uses reinforced carbon fiber with polymers in some of its vehicles.
Addressing Concerns
Recently, there was speculation that carbon fiber might face deeper scrutiny and potential prohibition due to a Union Europe study, “Review of End-of-Life Vehicles.” The report highlighted environmental and human health risks, as dispersed carbon fiber filaments from discarded vehicles could be harmful.
However, the European Parliament clarified that such concerns are unfounded and confirmed carbon fiber will remain available for the foreseeable future.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is carbon fiber popular in high-end vehicles? A: Carbon fiber’s unique combination of lightweight, rigidity, and strength makes it ideal for premium vehicles, allowing manufacturers to create more efficient and high-performing models.
- Q: What are common applications of carbon fiber in vehicles? A: Carbon fiber is used for components like hoods, spoilers, side mirror casings, interior inserts, and even the entire monocoque in high-end sporty models.
- Q: Were there concerns about carbon fiber’s environmental impact? A: Yes, a Union Europe study raised concerns about the potential harm from dispersed carbon fiber filaments in discarded vehicles. However, these concerns were later dismissed by the European Parliament.
- Q: Will carbon fiber continue to be used in car designs? A: Yes, the European Parliament confirmed that carbon fiber will remain available for use in vehicle designs for several more years.
