Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net) is participating in a project to develop new long-fibre thermoplastic composites with eco-friendly properties that cut the weight of e-vehicle batteries by 50-70%. Weight reduction in electric vehicles is one of the keys to making emission reductions a reality, the company says.

The so-called Lightcar project is funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI; www.innoavi.es) and includes other Valencia-based entities: Itera Soluciones de Ingeniería (www.iteraengineering.com), Sinfiny Smart Technologies (www.sinfiny.com), and Industrias Alegre (www.ialegre.com), the project coordinator.

Related: Aimplas develops alternative casings for electric car batteries

The goal is to have new materials that feature lightness, impact resistance, and rigidity, as well as good recyclability and processability using conventional, efficient manufacturing methods with low waste generation, adds Aimplas. For processing, Lightcar will also design a flexible, high-speed production cell for the manufacture of parts in which electronic components can be fitted.