

Natural Fiber Composites Used in EVs Participating in Extreme E Championship
The Spark Odyssey all-electric SUV features Bcomp’s natural fiber ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ in the bodywork, designed by Spark Racing Technology. The properties of the flax fiber will be tested in the immoderate conditions of the inaugural Extreme E Championship over five weekends covering four continents from Saudi Arabia to the arctic.
Bcomp’s powerRibs™ reinforcement grid in combination with its ampliTex™ fabrics, create sustainable bodyworks with the same stiffness and weight as carbon fiber. If the material breaks, it results in blunt edges instead of sharp pieces, improving driver safety as well as safety for race teams and spectators. Damping properties are improved by 250%, lowering noise levels and vibration, also benefitting drivers by reducing fatigue.
The Spark Odyssey weighs only 1,650 kilograms, measures 2.3 meters wide, boasts 550 hp, and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Sustainability is also addressed, as the use of natural fiber offers an 85% cradle-to-grave reduction of CO2 emissions.
Théophile Gouzin, technical director of Spark Racing Technology said, “Bcomp’s natural fiber technologies are a perfect match for the goals we set for ourselves in Extreme E, achieving the highest level of sustainable performance and safety. We are very happy about the successful collaboration with Bcomp as both companies are technology leaders in sustainable motorsports.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Spark to provide our sustainable lightweighting solutions for the Odyssey bodywork. Having our technology involved in this series is an incredible opportunity for Bcomp; racing in such a wide variety of locations, climates and terrains will really test our materials and conclusively demonstrate their capability and performance,” Christian Fischer, CEO and co-founder at Bcomp, said. “Sustainable composites offer a practical path forward for so many industries, motorsport included. Given the volume of production, consumption, waste and emissions involved in the supply, use and disposal of carbon fiber, the implementation of sustainable composites is a clear step in the right direction.”
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