# Battery-Clad Cruisers The Volvo 'Tomorrow Car' Will Have a Charged Exoskeleton By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-09-30 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-tomorrow-car References: [green.autoblog](http://green.autoblog.com/photos/volvo-electric-car-panel-batteries/) The [Imperial College of London](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imperial-outdoors-ob120) has initiated a three-year collaborative project to develop the [Volvo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ex90-ev-suv) 'Tomorrow Car' which will bear its battery as protective paneling. With the aim to manufacture such a vehicle with the appearance of a regular Volvo, the project is a revolutionary rung on the ascension to more energy-efficient automobiles. Made of carbon fibers and polymer resin, the Volvo 'Tomorrow Car' armor is pliable but durable, making it easy to mold into a hood and doors. This light cladding will charge and store energy much more efficiently than [conventional car batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catl-c-battery). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Battery-powered Vehicles:** Developing vehicles with battery-cladding presents an opportunity to revolutionize the automotive industry and create more energy-efficient solutions. - **Advanced Materials:** Creating new materials, such as carbon fibers and polymer resin, can lead to durable and efficient solutions not only in the automotive industry but also in other industries. - **Energy Efficiency:** Utilizing battery-cladding can be an innovative way to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in various sectors. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** The automotive industry should explore the potential of battery-cladding to create more energy-efficient and sustainable vehicles. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the development of efficient and durable battery-cladding for various applications. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry could incorporate battery-cladding into their products, creating more efficient and eco-friendly devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Safe-Focused Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ex90-ev-suv.md) - [Thermoregulating Car Cloaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-cloak.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-cladrus.md) - [Sleek Scandinavian SUV Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-xc.md) - [Compact Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-volvo-ex30.md) - [Everyday Luxury Electric Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-es90.md) - [Fossil-Free EV Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fossil-free-battery-production.md) - [Compact Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-volvo-ex90.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-vehicle-concept.md)