Next-gen steel bodies for alternative-powertrain vehicles

The objective of WorldAutoSteel's FutureSteelVehicle (FSV) program is to develop concepts of a radically different lightweight steel body structure for compact electrified vehicles and identify structure changes to accommodate larger vehicle variants

WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association composed of 17 major global steel producers from around the world, is in the midst of a three-year program called FutureSteelVehicle (FSV) to deliver safe, lightweight, advanced-high-strength-steel (AHSS) body structures for future electrified vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the vehicles' life cycles. The group recently divulged details on the steel technology and design methodology used for the program and released some results through Phase 2 of three phases of development work.

The engineering team's focus is on a holistic concept development approach using an anticipated expanded portfolio of steels and manufacturing technologies that will be readily available in the 2015 to 2020 time frame. The FSV engineering team is headed by EDAG AG at its Auburn Hills, MI, location. Optimization work is being done in close cooperation with Engineering Technology Associates, Inc. in Troy, MI. Noise, vibration, and harshness studies are the role of LMS in Leuven, Belgium.