An engineered polyolefin material from plastics-maker SABIC has allowed Chinese automaker Chery to shave 40 percent in weight from the inner tailgate structure of its recently launched eQ1 electric vehicle.

The SABIC material is STAMAX™ resin, a long glass fiber-filled polypropylene (LGFPP). Use of this low-density material lightens the inner tailgate structure compared to steel and can deliver the required stiffness. In addition to its material, SABIC provided development support with computer-aided engineering analysis, allowing for prediction and optimization of the part’s performance.

“This is Chery’s first tailgate all in plastic as well as the first from a domestic Chinese automaker, and we are pleased that we could help bring it to production,” said Scott Fallon, global leader of SABIC’s Automotive business. “We would like to thank Chery and the Tier 1 Wuhu Hengxin for the excellent collaboration.”

Use of STAMAX resin for the eQ1’s inner tailgate comes with additional advantages. These include ease of assembly and integration with other parts, as well as a modular-like design that can further improve vehicle assembly and dimensional stability. The solution comes with minimal warpage, excellent mechanical performance and corrosion avoidance. In addition, the tailgate component can absorb the brunt of the force from a low-speed impact, which should avoid repair costs and deliver savings to vehicle owners.

“Lightweight tailgate construction is an area of focus and strength for us,” said Fallon, explaining that SABIC has a full portfolio of solutions for all tailgate components, from the inner structure and outer skin panel to the window. He said SABIC is working on multiple all-plastic tailgate design projects.

The trend to replace metal in structural applications like tailgate components, front-end modules, door modules, seat structures and instrument panels has led the industry towards thermoplastics. As much as 50 percent in weight savings for these parts can be possible with the use of STAMAX resin.

Leading automakers have used the material since the early 2000s, primarily for large molded parts and semi-structural components.

SABIC produces STAMAX resin in the Asia Pacific region from its plant site in Shanghai, China. SABIC has two additional plants dedicated to the production of STAMAX resin, one in Europe (Genk, Belgium) and the other in North America (Bay St. Louis, Mississippi). These production facilities help SABIC deliver the materials consistency to meet specifications across world regions.