FRIBOURG, Switzerland—Volvo Cars is using ampliTex flax fiber composites from Swiss company Bcomp to make optional trim for the dashboard and doors of the new EX30 compact electric SUV. It is the first production vehicle to use the new, lightweight material.
While Bcomp’s natural fiber composites have been used in motorsport applications, such as Formula 1, Formula E, and SuperFormula for several years, the Volvo EX30 is the first production vehicle to use the material. Drivers can choose from four distinct interior designs for the vehicle, two of which—“Pine” and “Mist”—employ ampliTex trim panels.The collaboration follows Volvo’s investment in Bcomp last year. Bcomp had worked with Volvo Cars previously, in 2018, for the Volvo Ocean Race Recycled Plastics Demonstrator Vehicle. This was followed by the Concept Recharge in 2021, which demonstrated the future direction that Volvo Cars would take in developing all-electric cars. It included extensive use of Bcomp composites in both the interior and exterior, from storage areas to bumpers and sills. (Read more)
