Premium EVs in China are promoting exterior designs that can only be expressed by plastic moulded parts.

As a result, half of the exterior panel area was plastic panels. Toyota’s C+pod and Citroen’s AMI, both ultra-compact EVs where weight reduction is important, have fully resin exterior panels, while concept cars from Lexus, Nissan, Subaru and others at the Japan Mobility Show featured carbon-like panels woven into the design to give a new impression. Furthermore, Daihatsu offered a fun proposal of 3D-printed resin parts that can be changed.

At the same time, carbon neutrality is an important theme. Reducing vehicle weight through the use of plastics contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in terms of fuel and electricity costs, and the use of plastics in inverters and motors in devices for EVs is also expanding. On the other hand, there has also been an evolution in the carbon-neutral compatibility of vehicle-mounted plastics themselves. Circular economy, recycling and the use of plant-derived resins will be presented along with case studies. The mandatory use of recycled plastics under the European ELV management regulations is also a major challenge.

The following in-vehicle components utilising plastics are also exhibited.
X-ray CT images of the ADAS in-vehicle camera and millimetre-wave radar, respectively.
Newly designed consoles made from bio-resin, which won an academic award.
Exterior panels, door protectors, side sill covers
Exterior panels Door protectors, side sill covers, etc.