Citroen and BASF unveil their all-electric concept car Oli, and it’s not a car The fastest or most luxurious car, but to achieve sustainable development of the car by reducing weight and waste of resources. Uta Holzenkamp, President Coatings, representing BASF’s automotive team, explains: “This concept car demonstrates what can be achieved when partners trust each other and have the courage to forge new paths. This result is the epitome of ideas and solutions that go far and wide. beyond the initial concept”.
Speed limited to 110 km/h (68 mph), acceleration close to A classic 2CV model, this concept car has a longer range and significantly improved battery life. Adhering to a minimalist design approach, the concept car features a refreshingly innovative design. Various components were fundamentally reinterpreted and constructed by using materials in different contexts. For example, the entire backrest is made from a flexible 3D printed plastic material (Ultrasint® TPU88A). The open grid structure provides natural air flow, replacing ventilation in the various seats. The 3D printing unit of BASF’s French company Sculpteo made the backrest and about 20 other parts. And, you don’t have to bother looking for the audio or the navigation system, because you won’t find any. After all, most customers have cell phones and portable speakers that plug into the dashboard and automatically connect to the vehicle.
Reduce complexity, enhance sustainability and appealing design
Another striking feature is that many of the new components are made from the same chemical product series of materials designed and manufactured. Bonded and welded parts made of dissimilar materials present a challenge in mechanical recycling. For this reason, designers make as many components as possible out of the same material.
This simplified principle has also been implemented in production. Designing the driver’s and front passenger’s doors to be the same saves stamping tools and reduces complexity. The same applies to all wheel arches and bumpers. the oli concept car demonstrates the fact that sustainability and attractive design are not contradictory.
The color of the body perfectly conveys the concept of the car. At first glance, it appears to be a pure white, but mica particles have been added to emphasize the shape of the car. In contrast to the exterior, materials inside – such as the seats and floor – are painted a warm orange.
Co-creation is the key to new solutions
Car manufacturer Citroen worked closely with BASF during development and design. Uta Holzenkamp explains: “Innovative solutions from chemical companies play an important role in this co-creation effort. Projects like the development of a concept car with Citroën are a huge boost for us towards a more sustainable future. You Innovative and creative minds are needed to combine ideas from different companies”. For many years, BASF has been pursuing an ambitious sustainable development strategy. The main cornerstones of this strategy include the ChemCycling™ project on improved chemical recycling of plastics, and the biomass balance approach, which replaces fossil resources with renewable energy in production.
In addition to its product and engineering expertise, BASF is able to contribute its Design expertise. Alex Horisberger, industrial design manager at BASF, said: “This is where the project was born. During the visit to Citroën’s creative studio, we were able to convince their designers with our materials and trend analysis. With Citroën’s interior and exterior Designers working on the same level is a highlight moment for me personally”.
Citroen Product and Strategy Director Laurence Hansen also viewed this cooperation from a similar perspective. “The collaboration with BASF was key to designing the Oli and developing an electric vehicle that is as fun and efficient as possible for the near future,” he said. bucks the trend for vehicles with a focus on ease and simplicity. It shows how the environmental impact can be kept to a minimumminimum while bringing back the functional pleasure of electric vehicles. “
BASF offers a wide range of material solutions for innovative automotive concepts
Many of BASF’s automotive solutions help realize this idea. Another high-performance plastic from BASF can be seen on the rear armrest and the interior floor. Infinergy® is an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) that is also used in running shoes and sports flooring. It is elastic like rubber, but lighter, stronger, and highly resistant to abrasion. On the Oli, the material provides a comfortable and stable surface on the armrests and floor. At the same time, it reduces noise and vibration. Plus, a special coating is applied to ensure an extra long lifespan. Waterborne NovaCoat-P coatings are ideal for protecting soft substrates from abrasion, UV radiation, dust and chemicals. And, since the floor is waterproof, it can be easily cleaned with water. This is where the integrated plugs made of Elastollan® come in, as they can be removed to drain water and dirt.
Vehicle exterior trim also weighs significantly less while increasing stability and durability . The panels that make up the hood, roof and trunk are made from a combination of the Elastoflex® polyurethane system and the Elastocoat® paint system. Thanks to the honeycomb sandwich structure, these panels are so stable that you can even stand on them. This is also part of the vehicle’s functionality.
R-M® AGILIS® for painted bodywork is another BASF product with a more Highly sustainable products. Waterborne coatings have very low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.
BASF’s CathoGuard® 800 electrophoretic paint protects battery casings from corrosion and helps Further save resources. Since it is free of tin/HAPs and low in solvents, it is known for its high performance and environmental friendliness.
Source of article: BASF
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