World’s first modular car incorporates technology from AkzoNobel

The world's first modular car - the Nova – was recently unveiled at the AutoRAI trade show for

the automotive industry, in Amsterdam.

 

 

Built by a team of 26 students at the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Nova

featured, among other things, bio-fiber reinforced body panels produced using Nouryact cobalt-free

accelerators from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel’s innovative curing system enables economical viable production of bio-fiber composites. Bio-fibers

are a more sustainable alternative to glass fibers commonly used in the composites industry. While glass fibers

are adequate, alternate bio-based reinforcements have proven environmental benefits, while 

maintaining excellent product properties.

AkzoNobel's involvement also extended to providing financial support for the project, while the

bio-composite panels on the Nova feature a high performance coatings system developed by the

company’s Sikkens brand.

On display at one of the leading AutoRAI events, Nova is designed to be configured to perform in

multiple environments. It is equally at home as a hyper-efficient city car as it is on the open road (the

vehicle's target energy consumption is equivalent to 800 kilometers per liter of fuel).

"The students involved in the project, as team TU/ecomotive, are to be commended for the innovative

and practical approach they are taking to addressing some of the world's growing problems – vehicle

emissions and waste," said Markus Majoor, AkzoNobel's Global Market Segment Leader for the

Thermoset business.
"Their mission is well-aligned to our Planet Possible approach of doing more with less and we are happy to

play a role in supporting the team to achieve their goals and advance the conversation about the benefits

of high efficiency vehicles."
Following its participation in the Shell Eco-marathon in Rotterdam in May, the Nova – which has a top speed

of around 90kph – will be seen on public roads with official license plates, indicating that it has moved

beyond the concept phase.