covestro is driving automotive innovation forward with high-tech materials and advanced technologies that make the autonomous – or self-driving – electric vehicle of the future possible. together with automotive oems and future designers from umeå institute of design in sweden, we pushed boundaries to develop an autonomous, electric vehicle concept that showcases innovative and bold material solutions for interiors and exteriors. the road ahead has never been brighter.

the design concept for the autonomous, electric vehicle illustrates how covestro is redefining automotive lighting with seamless surfaces, holographic films, body lighting and backlighting for function, safety and design.

from idea to execution – k2016 electric car concept study

together with automotive oems, industry partners and future designers from umeå institute of design in sweden, we pushed boundaries to develop an autonomous, electric vehicle concept that showcases innovative and bold materials solutions for interiors and exteriors.

long track record proven materials for automotive applications

fifty years ago, the business of covestro, at that time part of bayer, pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation by introducing the first car with an all-plastic body at k67. now, at k2016 we did it again with our design concept for electric cars. developed with design students and industry partners, this concept incorporates current trends in exterior design including a seamless front end, holographic lighting, polycarbonate wrap-around glazing and sustainable coating and adhesive systems.

collaboration with industry partner

working closely with design students and partners from industry, we are showcasing a visionary electric car concept incorporating current trends in exterior and interior design. this indicates how we work alongside customers to identify the best materials for their applications, and provide application and processing expertise to help them meet their performance objectives or to transition to new materials.

form and function

the concept car is distinctly differentiated by smooth, seamless surfaces that showcase the latest materials technologies developed by covestro. with a unique aesthetic with good aerodynamics and high energy efficiency, the seamless, luminous surfaces feature integrated headlamps, rear lights, turn signals and antennas. to create a seamless design, it was necessary to homogeneously integrate the car’s sensors, antennas, light and signal elements behind the polycarbonate body panels. this innovative blend of form and function creates a sleek, seamless look that increases the value perception of the vehicle the integration of light into the body opens up entirely new possibilities for using light as a design element.

light as a design element

integrating light into the body – via seamless surfaces, holographic films and backlighting – enables new designs that are made possible with covestro materials and technologies. incorporating light in new ways helps differentiate automakers from their competitors and will give future models their own distinct identity. but it is more than just a design element: integrating light also adds function, safety and sustainability to the vehicle.

design freedom and functional integration

polycarbonate wrap-around glazing is the future of automotive exteriors, resulting in improved visibility, which means a better experience for occupants and enhanced safety for pedestrians. it’s also more sustainable: replacing glass with polycarbonate in automotive glazing can reduce component weight by as much as 50 percent and it also improves thermal management, both reducing fuel use. covestro’s electric car concept features transparent polycarbonate glazing that offers occupants a panoramic view. the car’s sleek styling clearly demonstrates the design versatility, three-dimensionally curved surfaces and functional integration that are made possible with polycarbonate.

contribute to light weighting bio-based solutions

covestro has developed a hardener for coatings and adhesives that has 70 percent of its carbon content derived from plant-based sources. this hardener achieves the same high-level properties as conventional products, even surpassing them in some cases, and needs little reformulation. structural adhesives can join a mix of lightweight materials, removing the weight of rivets and welds while enhancing a vehicle’s appearance.