Public Acceptance Assessment of Ultra Lightweight Vehicles using CFRP : From Cost and 3R Viewpoints

Abstract

Lightening of vehicles is quite effective to reduce global oil consumption and CO2 emission. For this purpose, CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) has lately attracted attention as an ultimate lightweight structural material. In this paper, the condition of public acceptance of CFRP as a structural material of mass production automobile is discussed. At a driving stage, we found great benefit of CFRP concerning cost, performance and comfort due to its lightweight and flexibility in design. On the contrary, at a manufacturing stage, the price of carbon fiber is still expensive and low cost and speedy manufacturing techniques should be established. And 3R technology must be also developed, and which was shown to play an important role to reduce the price of CFRP. Finally, to relieve the greater impact damage of lighter automobile at collision, shock absorber and additional safety equipment can be prepared by using a small part of the lightening weight.