Bcomp’s ampliTex and powerRibs technologies feature in the front seatbacks and tailgate structure of Polestar’s new electric grand tourer.
Bcomp has partnered with Polestar to introduce lightweight, bio-based composite materials in the new Polestar 5 four-door electric grand tourer (GT). The collaboration brings Bcomp’s ampliTex and powerRibs technologies into the vehicle’s front seatbacks and tailgate structure.
The materials are designed to reduce the use of virgin plastics while supporting lightweight construction and vehicle performance.
The partnership builds on work that began during the development of the Polestar Precept concept car. It has now progressed into large-scale production for the Polestar 5.
Polestar Signature Weave Combines Design and Performance
As part of the collaboration, Bcomp and Polestar developed a customised ampliTex flax fabric called the ‘Polestar Signature Weave’.
The material serves both structural and aesthetic functions in the vehicle’s interior. It has also become a defining element of Polestar’s minimalist design approach.
The fabric has been engineered and tested for durability and performance across thousands of vehicles intended for global markets.
Bio-Based Composites Reduce Weight and Fossil-Based Material Use
According to Polestar, Bcomp’s flax-based composites use 50% less fossil-based material and are up to 40% lighter than the traditional plastics they replace.
Depending on the application, Bcomp’s natural fibre composites can also reduce the cradle-to-gate carbon dioxide footprint of components by up to 60%.
These material characteristics support efforts to reduce component weight and the environmental impact of automotive manufacturing.
All Bcomp components used in the Polestar 5 have been validated against automotive requirements. Testing covers durability, safety, UV resistance, scratch resistance and long-term ageing performance.
Bcomp and Polestar on the Collaboration
“Working with Polestar over a number of years has given us the opportunity to show that the path from a material concept to a series-production component can be long and rigorous but is ultimately worth it,” says Per Martensson, chief revenue officer at Bcomp.
“The Polestar 5 seatbacks have a combination of lightweighting performance, reduced carbon footprint and design for end-of-life that conventional composites cannot offer. Polestar is leading the way in accountability around material choice and we are excited to be a part of this effort.”
Maria Uggla, head of CMF design at Polestar, said material selection plays an important role in both environmental impact and vehicle performance.
“The materials we select in our vehicles are important for their environmental impact as well as their performance,” she said. “Bcomp’s materials have allowed us to build a performance-focused seatback while not compromising our sustainability requirements.”
The Polestar 5 application highlights the use of natural fibre composites in series-production automotive components, combining lightweight construction, material efficiency and interior design.
For more information, visit www.bcomp.com.