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Anand group & FAR-UK to work for carbon fibre composites

17 Feb '20

3 min read

Pic: Anand Group

The Anand group and FAR-UK have joined hands to develop innovative solutions suited for reducing emissions. The product has the potential for light weighting in vehicles by almost 50 per cent, with strength matching that of high strength alloy steel at the weight of aluminium. Anand estimates a potential revenue forecast of around 600 crores by 2025.

The collaboration has potential to positively impact vehicles used in last mile connectivity, intra-city transportation of people and goods across segments of two, three and four wheelers for a variety of applications. Light weighting of the automobile is critical for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, thus creating an opportunity of using smaller engines. FAR-UK has been pioneering design and manufacture of lightweight structural composite solutions. This partnership will explore and create first-to-the-world applications in the automotive sector, unique to India. The goal is to use carbon fibre judiciously and efficiently in the composite, which would be engineered for structural strength, deploying innovative manufacturing methods to cater to low and medium volume requirements, in the Indian context, according to Anand.

With increasing sensitivity towards protecting the environment, stringent norms on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions have come into effect across the globe. 196 nations are signatories to the ‘Paris Agreement on Climate Change’ for adaptation of ways to reduce GHG emissions. Around 23 per cent of GHG emissions are contributed by automobiles. Across the globe, the industry is investing heavily in both ICE and Electric propulsion technologies for creating automobiles that help in reducing release of GHG emissions. Intended to control GHG emissions, BS VI norms in India mandate significantly limiting various constituents, mainly ozone depleting carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and particulate matter. The government is enforcing driving standards through Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency/Economy (CAFE) regulations, with an ambitious goal of reducing emissions to 95 gm of CO2/km in the coming years.

The FAME II scheme enables adoption for Full Battery Electric Vehicles (EVs). EVs do not have any tailpipe emissions. However, looking at the overall chain of ‘Well to Wheel’, they have about 20 per cent higher carbon footprint in manufacturing as compared to ICE propelled vehicles. Thus, to make BS VI and EVs economically viable, while reducing emissions, every aspect of vehicle has to be looked at. Light weighting is one clear way to help achieve targeted emission norms. As the world moves rapidly towards environmentally friendly vehicles, Anand has committed strategic investments in India, to bring innovative cutting edge technology solutions to OEMs. It has signed an MOU with FAR-UK in the area of light weighting.

“Far-UK has been looking for some time for the right partner to work with in India. We know that making vehicles lighter will help reduce emissions and we see great opportunities for these types of improvements in the vibrant Indian market. We are delighted to have found Anand. Their experience and wisdom will help us work together to make India vehicles lighter and cleaner,” Lyndon Sanders, co-founder and director at Far-UK said.

“Anand is sensitive to the current environmental challenges and is committed towards making the world a greener place to live. It is also our continuous endeavour to partner with the best in the world and bring in cutting edge technology to cater to the Indian OEMs. The collaboration with FAR-UK is in line with the key ethos of Anand vision, to create value sustainably through the pursuit of excellence. I am confident that this association will successfully evolve to create innovative light weighting solutions for the Indian automotive industry,” Anjali Singh, executive chairperson of Anand said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)