DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE UNDERBODY SHIELD USING CARBON FIBER/POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) AND SELF REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

The global market of electric vehicles has been extremely growing due to the interest in eco-friendly energy. Therefore, the weight reduction and lithium battery protection are the critical issues in electric vehicles industry. In this study, the underbody shield was designed with carbon fiber reinforced polymer and self-reinforced polypropylene composites to protect the lithium battery pack of electric vehicle from external shock with light weight. The impact simulation was performed, then the optimal shape was designed. The vehicle crash test was conducted with electric vehicle equipped with the manufactured composite underbody shield. As a result, the composite underbody shield could destroy the obstacle, and no electrical or mechanical damage occurred to the battery pack.