Creativity and Innovation Come Together to Sustain the Volkswagen ID.Family
At last, we’re in the dawn of a new age thanks to the ingenious engineers of Volkswagen. Steering wheel covers are decked in non-animal leather, while seat finishes are made from cellulose or recycled materials such as plastic bottles. Moreover, Volkswagen has planned to advance its vehicles’ sustainability, especially its all-electric ID.crew. The German automaker intends to dramatically decrease its ecological footprint, introducing non-animal and recycled materials throughout its electric vehicles’ interior.
Currently, many automakers make great use of imitation leather. The imitation leather comprises plastics from mineral oil such as polyurethane or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The biomaterials team held a brainstorming session at Volkswagen Group Innovation, and they conjured up a genius idea. Since coffee beans are roasted, the silver skin encompassing the coffee beans offers a residual material. Therefore, the silver skins offer a perfect filler for faux leather.
The coffee skin extracts a dried-up substance that’s very good for further processing. In addition, the non-animal leather may be employed in vehicles to cover car seats and armrests for future Volkswagen prototypes.
“There is huge potential, and this could be one of the next steps for further optimising the ecological footprint of our ID. electric fleet.”
-Dr. Martina Gottschling, Volkswagen Group Innovation Researcher
Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a Sustainable Pioneer
The German automaker already employs a tremendous amount of innovative materials; take a look at the interior of the ID.Buzz. In fact, most of the sustainable materials in the electric van will find their way to other models in the ID.family. For instance, substitutes originating from marine plastic or old plastic bottles (63 half-liter bottles for those perfectionists) are widely utilized throughout the ID.Buzz’s cabin. Seaqual yarn protects the upper half of the seat, comprising collected marine debris (10 percent) and recycled PES yarn (90 percent). The recycled yarn reduces carbon emissions by 32 percent during manufacturing compared to traditional surface materials. Moreover, 71 percent of the seat cover materials are recycled from ArtVelours Eco.
The roof linings and carpet finishings originate from 100 percent recycled polyester. Additionally, the insulating layer also contains recycled plastics. Yet, so do the underbody paneling and the wheel housing liners. As cheap as it sounds, don’t get it twisted. All recycled materials must meet the same high-quality standard as new materials.
Volkswagen no longer utilizes chrome for decorative parts for the electric van’s doors, dashboard, or steering wheel clasp since there’s such a detrimental environmental impact with manufacturing metals—the ID.Buzz’s decor now employs a chrome-like liquid paint that harbors a bio-based binding agent.
An Electric Experience Like Never Before Come to Sunrise Volkswagen
Sunrise Volkswagen offers an array of beautifully designed sustainability with the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. Looking for a vehicle for that special someone? We offer an extensive collection of new and pre-owned vehicles. At Sunrise Volkswagen, we pride ourselves on that hometown customer service even out-of-towners will love. Volkswagen is synonymous with spotless ingenuity and its shockingly low prices. So it doesn’t matter if you’ve endured a financial hardship. Please take advantage of our finance center and find the best options. Yet, if you are not ready to transition into the preservation of the future, our service department will have your car running like new. So please make your way over to Sunrise Volkswagen; our staff is dedicated to your satisfaction.
We look forward to serving you!
Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen Newsroom