GE Plastics Helps 3TU Develop the First Open-Source Concept Car for the Netherlands Foundation for Nature and Environment

The first “green” open-source concept car, developed as a joint effort by the Netherlands Foundation for Nature and Environment and three Dutch technical universities, features innovative materials from GE Plastics that reduce weight for better fuel economy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Used in exterior glazing for the c,mm,n first “open source” concept car, GE’s Lexan* GLX polycarbonate (PC) resin, makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of the vehicle.

GE Plastics and 3TU

The Challenge: Achieving Environmentally Responsible Mobility

The first true open-source “green” car – dubbed the c,mm,n (pronounced “common”) – was a joint project of the Netherlands Foundation for Nature and Environment, and the three technical universities of Delft, Eindhoven, and Twente in the Netherlands. As the first ever open-source concept, the c,mm,n’s technical information is available online for fine-tuning and adaptation by anyone. As a vision of eco-responsible transport, the concept emphasizes sustainable energy, materials, and usage patterns, such as cooperation among motorists.

A key objective of the c,mm,n project was to incorporate eco-responsible materials instead of traditional glass, steel, and aluminum while delivering high-aerodynamic performance through optimized designs. Through its longstanding partnership with Delft Technical University, GE Plastics took a leading role in the design and development of the exterior glazing and body panels.

“We aimed to show the world what can be achieved in automotive design that is sustainable in many different aspects – reducing emissions, reducing fossil fuel usage, improving communications and collaboration, and encouraging green technologies,” said Remco Timmer, a graduate student at Delft Technical University who developed the exterior design under mentorship of GE Plastics’ Automotive Designer, Geert-Jan Schellekens. “GE Plastics offered the materials, technical expertise, and environmental commitment we needed to make this project a success.”

The Solution: Next-generation GE Plastics Materials Drive Sustainability

GE Plastics’ resins were chosen for major exterior glazing components of the c,mm,n concept. All glazing except the roof panel was made with lightweight, impact-resistant GE Lexan GLX resin and Exatec® coating technology.

The c,mm,n concept car was introduced at the Amsterdam AutoRAI 2007 show, attracting national and international media attention.

“GE Plastics’ leadership in technology innovation and active collaboration with top universities led to this great opportunity to contribute to the first open-source concept car,” said Derek Buckmaster, GE Plastics market director for Exterior Body and Glazing. “We were able to help the team develop a sustainable vehicle concept by leveraging our newest eco materials for significant weight-out, emissions reduction, and design freedom.”

The Benefits: Reduced Environmental Impact for the Future

Used instead of conventional glass and metal, GE Plastics materials reduce weight to promote fuel efficiency. Glazing weight can be reduced by up to 50 percent through the use of Lexan GLX resin.

At the same time, GE Plastics’ materials lend themselves to futuristic design concepts that can improve aerodynamics and lead to greater fuel economy. Plastics and composites can be molded and formed into a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations that are difficult if not impossible to achieve with metal and glass.

GE’s ecomagination* initiative, which seeks to develop new materials that can support environmental protection while giving customers new choices for design and development, was a perfect match for the c,mm,n project. “Our ecomagination effort is focused on exactly the same objectives as this unique program,” said Buckmaster. “By joining forces with creative thinkers at universities and other organizations, GE can help realize a greener future for automotive OEMs, suppliers, and consumers around the world.”

Details at: www.autoindetoekomst.nl/website