As more and more car manufacturers are now incorporating carbon fiber into vehicles present day, the German firefighters got the OK to go ahead and test different rescue methods on the new BMW I3. As some of you may know the new BMW I3 has a carbon fiber shell as opposed to aluminum so this requires a different mode of attack when attempting to free a trapped passenger. While carbon fiber is stronger than steel in some ways it posses a unique problem in that when cutting carbon fiber body panels apart a toxic dust will be emitted. To combat this and keep both the emergency workers and passengers safe from this cancer-causing dust both must wear special protective masks.
As BMW ushers in the next level of technology with the use of carbon fiber in passenger vehicles first responders must also take heed on where to cut and where not to cut the carbon fiber shell. Carbon Fiber also challenges rescue workers in the fact that steel sheers relatively cleanly, where carbon fiber shreds – and those shreds may still prevent passenger extraction. We compare this to trying to cut fabric with dull scissors, it won’t cut nicely. Workers must also be careful to not cut into high voltage power supplies that the I3 or other hybrid and electric vehicles may have.
While RW Carbon does not manufacture car chassis we do have you covered for all your aftermarket carbon fiber parts needs!
The diagram seen below details to emergency workers where to cut in chassis of the vehicle. It outlines important areas such as electric components and supply wires that workers must take heed of.
