The developing EV market is opening new opportunities for weight and carbon footprint reduction. Long fibre thermoplastics (LFTs) have long been used in the automotive industry, particularly PP-based products that offer a combination of light weight, high strength and design freedom that allows them to replace metal in some structural applications.

The arrival of electric vehicles has accelerated interest. Car makers want to reduce weight to extend range so material selection for familiar components is being reconsidered – front ends, sunroof frames, and the like. However, the electric powertrain’s impact on vehicle design also presents new part opportunities — components such as front storage modules, for example. The potential to cut carbon footprint is also attracting considerable interest from other key markets.

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