Volvo has formulated a concept for lightweight structural energy-storing elements with a view to better the energy consumption of the electric vehicles developed in future. The material shall consist of reinforced carbon fiber, nanostructured batteries and super capacitors shall offer a lighter option to energy storage and shall also be less space consuming. Cost effectiveness is an additional bonus. This concept took 3.5 years in the making, had Imperial College London as an academic partner and is funded as a part of a European Union research project.


The project team developed car panels, which have now been incorporated into an experimental Volvo S80 car. The reinforced carbon fibers hold the battery and are shaped such to fit around the car's frame. The fiber laminate is first layered, shaped, is later heated in an oven and let to harden. The super capacitors are accommodated within the component skin. This material can now replace the existing car components to store and charge energy, and is recharged via regenerative braking or plugging into a main electrical grid. It then pushes this energy to the electric motor which is discharged as the energy is used all around the car.