Ragasco AS, a Hexagon Composites ASA business unit, says it won the contract after the car manufacturer concluded an intensive technical and commercial benchmarking process. Start of production is planned for fourth quarter of 2011.
The composite fuel tanks are produced by Ragasco in Norway. The cylinders are classified as Type 4 and consist of a polymer liner and a combination of glass and carbon fibre composite wrapping. Weighing up to 70% less than steel, the composite containers provide better operational economy and car handling characteristics compared to conventional steel containers. The underfloor CNG fuel tanks allow a driving range of approximately 400 km.
Fuel tanks for passenger cars are part of the Hexagon Composites range of lightweight tanks for storage and transport of alternative gas.
