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The funding pumped into the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) in Warwick proves that the government is serious about this space.
Further signifi cant government intervention will still be required though, following the guidance of the APC and the Automotive Council, for these carbon fi bre suppliers hoping to make the huge leap across the so-called “Valley of Death”; the challenge faced by companies with innovative technology that hope to break into the mainstream automotive supply chain.
The great thing about carbon fi bre is that the barriers to entry are not signifi cant. New suppliers – as yet not in existence – could yet swell the ranks of the UK supply base.
After all, carbon fi bre is essentially little more than wood fi bre and pulp which is baked into a super- light material which is then layered, glued and baked on to a car’s frame. For that reason, there will be plenty of textile or paper mill businesses taking a keen interest in proceedings right now.
The problem is that the process is more expensive than traditional steel production – and it produces lower volumes. That’s why its deployment has so far been limited to applications where cost isn’t a major issue (Formula 1 again but the material also features in top-end road cars like Mustangs, Aston Martins and McLarens) or where removing weight from the chassis is the over-riding aim.
All of which brings us neatly back to electric cars. Even with a range extender, the i3 has a top range of 180 miles – and that’s assuming you drive in a style which few people typically do.
Every ounce of weight which can be taken out of the car extends that range further. However, bearing in mind that the price points (because of the expensive carbon fi bre) are comparable to a decent saloon car but that the range is at least 50% poorer, it’s easy to see why annual sales volumes for the i3 are only predicted to be around 20,000 units.
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That list price will come down as more money is pumped into carbon fi bre technology development. Those ranges will go up as a result of that and of continued investment in electric propulsion more generally. And that’s when this technology will become commercially mainstream.
The UK could be in a prime position to benefi t from these developments. I believe the time is now right for the UK Government, investors and trade bodies to drive forward investment in both of the participant technologies.
To fi nd out more, please contact:
John Leech Head of UK Automotive T: +44 (0)121 232 3035 E:
john.leech@kpmg.co.uk
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CARBON FIBRE
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