BMW is actively exploring the usage of renewable uncooked supplies to scale back emissions generated in the course of the automobile manufacturing course of. The corporate has been experimenting with pure fiber composites on race automobiles for a number of years. The know-how has now matured to the purpose the place it may be utilized in street-legal automobiles. These new light-weight elements are based mostly on flax. It’s a blue-flowered herbaceous plant cultivated for its stems, seeds, and the thread derived from it.
To convey this innovation to market, it has teamed up with Bcomp, a Swiss firm specializing in bio-based applied sciences. In 2022, the BMW Group acquired a stake in Bcomp, three years after the corporate’s know-how was first deployed in System E. The iFE.20 race automobile featured a flax-based cooling shaft constituted of renewable plant fibers.
Subsequent collaborations included changing particular carbon fiber-reinforced plastic elements of the M4 DTM and M4 GT4 with pure fiber composites. The latter will as soon as once more use this cleaner know-how in the course of the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race this weekend. It received’t be lengthy earlier than BMW introduces flax-based light-weight elements in its road-going automobiles.
BMW says future M automobiles will incorporate these greener supplies. Whereas particular particulars are scarce, obtainable pictures recommend that an M4 G82 encompasses a roof and rear diffuser constituted of pure fiber composites. The roof alone cuts carbon dioxide equal (CO₂e) emissions by 40% in comparison with a traditional carbon fiber roof.
However this know-how isn’t restricted to exterior elements. It can be utilized to sure seen components contained in the cabin. If it meets the stringent structural necessities of a automobile roof, we think about it has potential for broader use throughout the automobile.
Nevertheless, don’t count on to see flax-based light-weight elements in present BMW fashions. Solely automobiles from the next-generation BMW Group portfolio will profit from pure fiber composites. As for which mannequin will debut the know-how, the very best guess is the M3, probably both the totally electrical “ZA0” or the gasoline-powered “G84” with its inline-six engine.
Supply: BMW
