“Rising Innovation in Lightweight Composite Materials for Efficiency and Emission Reduction”
- A prominent trend in the global fuel tanks market is the growing use of lightweight composite materials, particularly carbon fiber and plastic composites, to meet stringent emission norms and enhance vehicle fuel efficiency. These materials help reduce vehicle weight without compromising structural integrity or fuel storage capacity
- For instance, in December 2023, Toyota Motor Corporation, in collaboration with UBE Corporation, introduced UBE NYLON 1218IU, a new type of polyamide 6 resin used in the plastic liner of hydrogen tanks in its Crown FCV. This resin is specifically designed to prevent hydrogen leakage while offering high durability
- The demand for Type IV high-pressure tanks, which use composite materials, is rising rapidly in the hydrogen mobility sector. These tanks are lighter than traditional steel tanks and are ideal for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
- In June 2024, OPmobility announced the supply of 76 Type 4 hydrogen storage systems to CRRC for hydrogen-powered trams in Malaysia, highlighting a major commercial application of advanced fuel tank composites
- This trend is significantly transforming the industry landscape by supporting emission goals, enhancing range efficiency, and enabling alternative fuel adoption across vehicle segments
