Malaysian startup converts plant fibers into EV parts – Wired PR Lifestyle Story

[Written in partnership with MaGIC, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]

One of the reasons Malaysia may be hesitant to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is the lack of government incentives and the lack of infrastructure to reduce the anxiety in the district.

You know: Distance anxiety is the fear of the owner of an electric vehicle because the battery of an EV is not charged enough to make it available for the vehicle to reach its final destination or to charge a charging point “on the road”.

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One manufacturing solution for this would be to build electric vehicles with more efficient materials. This would make the frame of a vehicle lighter, making room for more batteries (the stability of the car will also increase), thus increasing its range.

This is a Malaysian startup looking at this scene, Compounds in the Midwest which engineering alternative materials to reduce the weight of electric vehicles in a cost-effective way. Hardly with Malaysia built his own fully electric car for consumers, they soon start using public transportation as a bus.

Its CEO, Sethu Raaj Munusamy, said: “We are not only reducing the weight of electric vehicles, most of our current work is also done on conventional vehicles. In a regular car, we can reduce weight by up to 40% through composites. This will save 28% fuel. for the car. ‘

Composites are the future of material

A compound is a material that is produced with two or more (separate) materials. Composites offer some benefits, such as lighter, corrosion-resistant, more flexible, and lower maintenance compared to traditional materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, or concrete.

Think of it as a very strong plastic, but one that is environmentally friendly especially when using biomass, which is a renewable organic material from plants and animals.

Midwest Composites is primarily engaged in the R&D and manufacturing of composites, including crystal hybridization, through carbon and plant fibers such as palm, hemp, pineapple, and others.

“Our main passion is to use biomass in composites to reduce the amount of plastic that is not recyclable in the environment,” Sethuk told the Vulcan Post.

Malaysia has the materials, but not the machines

The incorporation of biomass into a matte structure necessary for proper production is not yet available in Malaysia, despite the abundance of raw materials here. This means that Malaysia has raw materials that can be converted into composites, but lacks the production materials needed to convert them.

Sethu also explained that similar production materials are needed in Europe, but that they are too expensive for the Midwest Composites group.

“So until we find a way to produce these materials here, we need to focus on the hybridization of glass, carbon and natural fibers,” he shared. That is, in Malaysia, to encourage the manufacture and use of composites applicable in various industries.

The group plans to one day also enter the consumer market so that carbon fiber parts can be made cheaper for the public and for original equipment manufacturers.

But they need to convince the market first

One of the challenges the group may face is convincing the market to switch to using more sustainable materials. This is especially so when manufacturing composites can be more expensive when economies of scale have not yet been achieved.

Sethu agreed: “Being a startup in a new technology field brings challenges, where you have to educate customers who are comfortable with existing opportunities, so convincing them can be time consuming and financially cumbersome.”

“But when the market understands the true potential of these natural fibers, this industry will take off and we intend to make this revolution a leader,” Sethu said of his goal for the company.

Therefore, Midwest Composites is a viable way to gain customer trust by setting an example. The company should show that, despite the high initial costs, switching to composites will bring other benefits in the long run.

This makes the startup’s partnership with large companies a strategic move.

It serves buses, drones and regular vehicles

The Midwest Composites team is currently working with a local bus company to develop an electric bus in Malaysia.

For example, the team has built an engine cover that does not require a metal frame as a support. This is able to reduce its weight by 50% using metal materials compared to conventional construction. They have also built a fiberglass fuel tank and toilet module for the bus.

In addition to buses, Midwest Composites also makes components for conventional vehicles, such as car and motorcycle mud flaps, bumpers, and interior cover panels. They are made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which can be customized according to consumer requirements.

Sethu shared that since he partnered with the bus company, he connected customers with a local drone builder who was looking for body kits for fiberglass infusion drones.

Part of the project also involves building a lighter electric motor for the drone, which is 2.5 meters wide.

“It’s a monumental project for us because we’re building the first of its kind at SEA and it will help establish our reputation as a world-leading composite company,” Sethuk said.

He has also collaborated with Midwest Composites Inter Formula Sdn Bhd to develop a fully electric race car for motor sports. Sethu reported that more interested local companies have approached them with opportunities for collaboration in the EV space.

Out of these partnerships, Midwest Composites has earned RM320K revenue in the last 14 months.

We would like to have the opportunity to work with major industry players such as Proton and Perodua to share our composite experience and use the synergy between us to build world-class composite cars here in Malaysia.

Sethu Raaj Munusamy, CEO and Founder of Midwest Composites

involved in Global Accelerator Program (GAP) 5th cohort Malaysia Global Center for Innovation and Creativity (MaGIC) has also increased its visibility.

As part of GAP, Sethu is confident that Midwest Composites will open up more business opportunities thanks to the tutoring and growth training available.

• You can learn more about Midwest Composites here.
• You can read about other Malaysian startups we have described here.

Featured Image Credit: Sethu Raaj Munusamy, CEO and Founder of Midwest Composites