On the right track

By JOE KNYCHA

 

A “hemp-infused” bio-composite bodied electric car concept, called the Kestrel, was unveiled in Calgary, Canada, by Motive Industries Inc. The company says that its manufacturing techniques will allow the vehicle to be made profitably at smaller initial volumes than traditional vehicles.

Motive’s Nathan Armstrong said a major advantage to using advanced composites versus metal are increased impact absorption, rust resistance and reduced weight. Where a steel-stamped vehicle will absorb impact by crumpling under pressure, “a composite vehicle will absorb the energy, then return to its original shape.” That observation, he said, was recently verified by British automaker Lotus, “who found similar results with its Evora sports car.”

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