Issue 13/2015 - BASF creates ultra-light e-floater with new materials

BASF and Floatility have jointly developed an ultra-light solar-powered electric scooter
.
The car, which is 80 percent of its components made of BASF composites and plastics, weighs less than 12 kilograms, and makes the user feel as if they were "floating" on the ground, hence the name "e-floater"
.

BASF provided multifunctional plastic materials and technical support
for the project.
In the production process, molding technology is used to create plastic parts with complex shapes, providing e-floaters with greater design freedom and a more optimized structure
.
Glass-fiber reinforced Ultramid (polyamide) is used in the main structure of the e-floater: the mineral-filled Ultramid B3M6 is used to produce parts with high requirements for low warpage, while the impact modified Ultramid B3ZG8 has excellent stiffness and toughness for structural parts
subject to shock loads.
Despite the high fiber content, the surface-improved Ultramid B3G10 SI provides excellent surface quality
for components.
The front and pedals are made of new Ultracom® composites to ensure stability
.

In addition, BASF provides processing and design support
for the development of continuous fiber-reinforced components with the thermoplastic laminate Ultralaminate B3WG13 and the overmolded material Ultramid® B3WG12 COM.
The tires and handlebars are made of BASF's Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane for good grip and a smooth ride
.
(Research)