Steel Everywhere! Steel in Our Daily Lives

It is hard not to use recycled steel every day. Can you imagine cutting steak with a plastic knife? We unconsciously use recycled steel, which is often revived in watches, canned food, cars, containers, rollercoasters and more. We use steel in different forms every day and we’re sometimes not even aware we’re using it. Wherever you go, you will find steel! Steel’s recycling qualities are not only unlimited, but the material has a variety of ways it can be reused.

<Click here to find out why steel is called “The ‘Real’ Man of Steel”>

What Can We Do With Recycled Steel?

Steel’s wide range of recyclability allows us to have effective and efficient lives. In some cases, it can also help protect the environment. The story the infographic by worldsteel describes tells us about how recycled steel helps both us and the Earth.

<Click here to download Infographic>

Cars made with recycled steel can be reborn as nine different useful products. Steel recycling does not stop there, as it continues to transform into various products via endless re-recycling. What’s interesting about recycled steel is that it saves our time, lives, and even our planet. Cars made with recycled steel are lighter, cleaner and more efficient. They emit less emissions and save us money at the pump.

Less is More – And For the Better

Steel and automobiles are best friends. It is hard to make cars without steel. Compared to the past, customers now prefer lighter cars because they are lighter, have lower fuel consumption, and are simply more efficient. Even more interesting is that lighter cars are more environmental friendly. Also – and most importantly – as cars become lighter, they reduce fuel consumption and use less steel to reach fuel efficiency standards.

The less steel in cars, the better! As illustrated by the 2014 Paris Motor Show, manufacturers are moving toward economical and practical vehicles with low fuel consumption and close to zero emissions. Part of the new concepts of the cars of tomorrow take account lighter steel plates and the economic cycle of steel.

<Click here to read about “POSCO’s Advanced High Strength Steels In Renault ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car”>

It is rather interesting to see how various ways steel can be used as technology grows and industries develop. It will be even more interesting to see how steel will be incorporated into our lives in the future and even today.

Concept Cars At This Year’S Show

(Citroen DS Divine, Copyright @Mondial de l’Automobile)

Just as every other international auto show, this year’s concept cars are attracting the audience from the practical and economical cars that are displayed on the show floor. Although the concept cars will never get to the production stage, many people find it fascinating to experience the unprecedented ideas of cars. To introduce some of the impactful designs among the plenty of concept cars on display, the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration suggested a horizon-looking outer structure that is “aggressively proportioned”. Also, Citroen DS Divine provided a design covered with diamond shapes and gemstones. Although the production viability of these cars is extremely low, it is always fun to visually experience the dream cars in real life.

Renault Unveils Its ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car

Among the numerous concept cars at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Renault, the French automaker, also unveiled a hybrid concept car called the ‘EOLAB’. The ‘EOLAB’ is claimed an ultra-low fuel economy of 100Km/l while producing as low as 22gm of CO2 per Km. The most favorable features of this prototype are the A.E. Hybrid technology which brings ultra-low fuel consumption and zero emissions, the refined aerodynamics, and the lightweight body construction.

Another reason why people say that the ‘EOLAB’ is a cleverly designed car is in its composition:  three pillars with light-weight magnesium roof, aluminum doors, and thermoplastic bonnet. Unfortunately, Renault isn’t planning on actually manufacturing the model for sale. However, they reckon that nearly most of the concepts in the ‘EOLAB’ will be possible for production by 2020 or sooner.

POSCO’s Advanced High Strength Steels In Renault ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car
As mentioned above, the ‘EOLAB’s one of the greatest strength is in its lightness. POSCO contributed to lightening the car body by applying new steel grades in the development project of ‘EOLAB’, such as 900PosM Steel, 2000HPF steel, and magnesium (Mg) panel Moreover, POSCO carried out a variety of solution marketing activities, such as participating in the production of demo car components. In particular, POSCO`s magnesium panel was used on the roof of a vehicle weighing approximately 10kg, thereby reducing the roof weight down to around 4.5kg.

In this ‘EOLAB’ concept car project, Renault`s five partners cooperated along with Michelin and Faurecia. With all other project members being European companies, and the fact that POSCO is the only steel producing company to be part of it, POSCO has shown itself to be acknowledged for its leading technological competencies in the advanced European automobile market.

We will continue to post more stories about the world automobile industry and POSCO’s involvement in various automobile productions. Please stay tuned with us until the end of 2014 Paris Motor show!

Today, POSCO global blog will try to explain the basics of electric vehicles.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit set up at The 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo held in Jeju

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric car is basically an automobile that is powered by electricity. It is powered by an electric motor that runs on a rechargeable battery as opposed to a gasoline engine. Electric vehicles has gained widespread recognition predominantly because it is the environmentally-friendly alternative to gas guzzling automobiles.

Why should you care about Electric Vehicles?

Pictured here: EV on display that promotes ‘zero emissions’

 You might have heard the word ‘electric car’ lately, but might not understand what the direct benefits are. The major reasons that electric cars is top-of-mind for the auto industry and society as whole are for the following reasons:

1)      Less pollution: Electric cars are an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline powered cars as they create less pollution

2)      Cost effective in the long-run: Electric cars run on electricity so you can save up on annual car fuel costs and expensive maintenance related to oil changes, fuel filters, etc.

3)      Reduces fuel dependency: Electric vehicles can be powered by electricity produced from multiple energy sources including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, biofuel, and fossil fuel sources. Therefore, electric vehicles have the potential to support economies while also reducing dependence on imported oil.

4)      Better Sound Quality: Electric cars may be difficult to differentiate from regular cars from the outside, but electric motors provide quiet and very smooth operation.

Challenges for Electric Vehicles

That is not to say that electric vehicles face no challenges. Driving range is a concern for consumers as gasoline vehicles can go longer distances. Recharge time and overall bulk are concerns also. Companies, including POSCO, are continuously investing time and energy to improve technologies and materials for electric vehicles.

Pictured here: Entrance to 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

During March 15 through 21, the 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo was held in Jeju Island, south of the Korean peninsula. More than 40 companies attended the event and consumers were able to see firsthand electric cars including Kia’s Ray EV, Reno Samsung SM3 Z.E., Chevrolet Spark EV, Kia Soul EV and BMW i3. Nearly 50,000 visitors came to the expo where POSCO Group showcased its innovative electric car technology.

Pictured here: POSCO exhibit at 1^st International Electric Vehicle Expo in Jeju

Of the participating companies, POSCO was the only company to offer a total solution that addresses materials, rechargeable infra and service. POSCO was the first steelmaking company to develop a body for an electric vehicle concept, solidifying its position at the forefront of electric vehicles.

POSCO Group’s <Total Solution>

Pictured here: POSCO executives gathered at the Expo in Jeju

POSCO Group companies including POSCO ICT, POSCO ChemTech, POSCO TMC and POSCO ESM were all present for the expo. As the first steelmaker to create the concept body for electric vehicles, POSCO proved that its steel solutions continue to provide value for the future of electric vehicles. The exhibit was divided into three parts consisting of rechargeable infra needed by electric vehicles, service and materials.

POSCO ICT’s electric vehicle rechargeable infra solution can be applied to all types of vehicles. Moreover, users are able to recharge without having to carry an external cable.

Pictured here: Chevrolet electric vehicle on exhibit being recharged

In addition, in order to improve the user experience, POSCO is offering a variety of convenient services. POSCO ICT has set up charging infrastructure around Jeju so travelers do not need to worry about lack of electricity. Beginning this June, POSCO ICT will form a partnership with E-Mart·BMW to offer easier charging services anytime, anywhere. POSCO ICT will also be forming a partnership with Seoul car sharing services to provide rechargeable infra.

POSCO also highlighted its commitment towards Nd magnets. Nd magnet, which is made of a rare earth metal, is an integral part of electric vehicle motors. They are currently imported from Japan and China. The Nd magnets that POSCO supplies can be applied to domestic electric vehicles and can reduce the dependency on imports.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Future Electric Vehicles

Pictured here: Compact-sized electric vehicle

Compared to internal combustion engines, electric vehicles are still trailing behind in terms of mileage and battery weight. Therefore a variety of new technologies are being applied for lightweight car bodies. For this reason, new materials beyond the previous aluminum and steel are being introduced into the development of electric vehicles.

POSCO is the first steelmaker to develop steel that is optimized for electric vehicle bodies. PBC-EV (POSCO Body Concept-Electric Vehicle) is the car body that was developed to showcase the state-of-the-art technology POSCO has recently developed for future electric vehicles.

PBC-EV has set the standard for EV steel solutions. It is made from cutting-edge steel and the latest components technology for an integrated solution that has reduced weight of 26.4% compared to previous car bodies.

Pictured here: Regular-sized electric vehicle made by Renault Samsung Motors

The Future of Electric Vehicles

As companies continue to improve and build upon existing electric vehicle technologies, the growing prominence of electric vehicles is highly probable. As an environmentally-conscious company, POSCO hopes to see more growth in this field. Would you buy an electric vehicle?