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Plastics: Helping U.S. Automakers Lead on Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturing and Innovation

PLASTICS: HELPING U.S. AUTOMAKERS LEAD ON AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION Durable Plastics and Polymer Composites Enable Critical Performance and Safety of AV Technologies Plastics enable autonomous vehicles by making their complex electronic ‘brains’ work reliably and safely. Autonomous vehicles rely on an array of embedded sensors, including cameras, radars and satellite receptors, all of…

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Plastics enable autonomous vehicles by making their complex electronic ‘brains’ work reliably and safely. Autonomous vehicles rely on an array of embedded sensors, including cameras, radars and satellite receptors, all of which are made with plastics. For example, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), along with video detection and ranging (VIDAR) are critical as they help the vehicle navigate and avoid collisions.

Plastics also encapsulate and insulate these technologies from radio interference, humidity, dust and temperature changes to keep them operating safely, which helps keep occupants safe.

Benefits of Plastic Components in Autonomous Vehicles 


  • Transparency: Most plastics allow light imaging and radio waves to penetrate embedded sensors. 

  • Detection: Plastics enable embedded sensors that detect vehicles, pedestrians, animals,
 obstructions and communications devices.


  • Protection: Plastics resist and manage heat, humidity, temperature, radio interference and electrical transmission in sensors and other components.


  • Safety: Durable plastics and polymer composites can improve crashworthiness while reducing vehicle weight.
  • Experience: Plastics impact hygiene, seating, noise levels, comfort, connectivity and remove blind spots.

  • Flexibility: Plastics can be molded in endless shapes to evolve with occupant and mobility needs.

Plastic-Based Components in AVs

Move your mouse over the vehicle to learn more about how plastics are an integral part of modern automotive innovation.

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