Is This “Light Cocoon” Car the Future of Lightweighting?

By

Light-CocoonRecently, IQMS had the opportunity to join a gathering of automotive industry leaders and engineers for a special vehicle unveiling. At the EDAG office in Troy, Michigan, EDAG global CEO, Jörg Ohlsen, presented his company’s newest lightweight concept vehicle: The Light Cocoon.

Third in a series of vehicle lightweighting projects, the Light Cocoon incorporates both innovative design elements and new materials to push the boundaries of lightweighting. EDAG incorporated three main concepts when designing its new vehicle:

  • A new lightweight material: Weighing no more than 19 g/m², the EDAG’s elastic fabric supports maximum aerodynamics with minimum weight. This textile “skin” is stretched over the car and is designed to shed water
  • Additive manufacturing: The understructure of the Light Cocoon was 3D printed. The 45 pieces – results of CAE (computer-aided engineering) – took one week to print and the vehicle meets all crash/homologation safety requirements.
  • A minimalistic, “leaf-like” structure: Based on nature’s example, the Light Cocoon was designed like a leaf, with a branch-like load bearing structure. This design minimizes weight because rather than utilizing a typical closed body surface, the Light Cocoon only uses material where absolutely necessary

Additionally, the Light Cocoon features an electric powertrain with a 220 mile range at 125km/hr and a movable rear spoiler. Futuristic looking backlight technology illuminates the leaf-like structure, and the colors can be customized to fit your mood.

For more information about the EDAG Light Cocoon, please visit: https://www.edag.de/en/edag/news-detail/getarticle/News/detail/edag-light-cocoon-the-ultimate-in-lightweight-construction.html

Ed Potoczak

Ed Potoczak, IQMS Director of Industry Relations, has more than 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Formerly an ERP consultant at the Oakstone Group and Plante Moran, Ed has also held positions as a senior systems engineer for Chrysler, technical sales leader in parts suppliers and general manager for a process equipment builder.