BMW cuts carbon fiber cost by making their own

Because of the increase of fuel costs and the overall performance of the automotive industry in the market, BMW has decided to make their cars lighter so it will be more fuel efficient. This is also a step in cutting production costs for BMW. But this economic tactic has also gained more importance in BMW’s electric vehicle development as it minimizes expensive battery power. It also cuts the size of the battery that will be used in the Megacity Vehicle scheduled to be launched in 2013.

To sum it all up, BMW is getting into the carbon-fiber business.

BMW’s carbon fiber plant in Washington, USA is only the beginning of their venture into the carbon fiber business. The goal is to provide excellent lightweight material without costing too much. It was initially a problem because the carbon fiber that was used in formula one race cars are really expensive. Through intensive study, BMW was able to make a similar carbon fiber material that costs just one-fourth the amount of those expensive carbon fibers.

BMW’s carbon fiber partner SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers is helping them make $10 per pound industrial-grade carbon fiber and careful reuse of scrap and cheap hydroelectric power.

Source: Autonews