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Considering that various private cars have a heavy inherent environmental footprint compared with walking, running, biking and public transportation, it is always a challenge to digest the sustainability certificates of car manufacturers. Nonetheless, any effort to increase the use of recycled materials in automobiles is commendable.
The overall design goal of the BMW i Vision Circular concept car is to create a platform that is optimized for closed material cycles and achieves 100% recycled materials or 100% recyclability, highlighting these ambitions. This concept car was unveiled at the 2021 International Auto Show IAA Mobility.
In addition to bio-based and certified raw materials, materials that have passed the product life cycle-so-called secondary materials-are used to achieve this recyclability goal. This also applies to energy storage systems: the solid-state batteries of the BMW i Vision Circular are 100% recyclable and are made almost entirely of recycled materials. At the same time, it will achieve higher energy density by significantly reducing the most valuable resources.
In terms of plastic use, the seat components are entirely made of recycled plastic; quick-release fasteners can easily separate metal and textile parts, which is an ingenious application of recyclability design.
The dashboard incorporates FSC-certified wood, recycled aluminum, and recycled 3D printed plastic, and again incorporates BMW’s quick-release fasteners to easily separate the main components. The interior uses recycled wood powder, aluminum, 3D printed plastic and other plastic components in various color combinations.
If you are looking for a lighter environmental impact, don't despair. BMW has also launched a high-speed pedelec (electric bicycle), with a speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) on the bike path, and a maximum of 45 km/h (28 mph) on city roads. Up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on multi-lane roads and outside the city. However, don't forget to obtain a higher speed license.
By the way, for the so-called auto show, there are more bicycle manufacturers than car manufacturers at the Munich Auto Show, and IAA Mobility moved from its former base in Frankfurt to Munich this year.
In order to continue the environmental protection trend of IAA Mobility, Volkswagen has launched a streamlined version of its ID. The LIFE concept electric car, which is expected to sell for 20,000 Euros (23,700 USD), is very attractive. In car body clear coatings, wood chips are used together with bio-based hardeners as natural colorants. In addition, the air cell fabric of the roof and front cover is made of 100% recycled PET bottles. In the interior, the wood around the instrument panel and rear seats is combined with ArtVelours Eco ultra-fine flannel on the seat surface and door trim. Finally, bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husk are just some of the materials used in tires.
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