Plastic Omnium developing lightweight plastic tank for hybrid vehicles

New plastic tank claimed to be 40% lighter than metal model currently fitted on most plug-in hybrid vehicles.

By Autocar Professional Bureau

25 Jun 2016

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Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid. Plastic Omnium will deliver an initial tank in December 2016 for Hyundai’s plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Korea.

Recognising the potential of high growth across the hybrid market (5.5 million cars in 2020 versus 2 million in 2015), Plastic Omnium is introducing a new-generation plastic tank for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The plastic tank, featuring new INWIN technology, is 40% lighter than the metal model currently fitted on the majority of plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is designed to withstand the pressure created by fuel vapour when the vehicle is in electric-drive mode over long periods of time.

The technology developed by Plastic Omnium, which is the world’s leading supplier of plastic and composite painted exterior components and modules, is covered by 163 patents. An initial tank will be delivered in December 2016 for Hyundai’s plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Korea. By the year 2018, seven additional models for three other auto-makers in Asia and Europe will be fitted with this innovation from Plastic Omnium.