Is Kevlar the Right Choice for Protecting Auto Fuel Tanks and Batteries?

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Kevlar may not be the ideal choice for protecting auto fuel tanks and batteries from blunt force impacts during collisions, as it is more effective against sharp objects and tearing. For rear-mounted fuel tanks, a thick steel plate is recommended for better protection against deformation. The discussion highlights concerns about the safety of rear-mounted fuel tanks, referencing historical issues with designs like the Pinto. Additionally, off-road vehicles often use skid plates for added protection. Overall, while Kevlar has its uses, alternative materials may provide superior safety for these applications.
Tom Flanagan
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Would Kevlar work in protecting a rear mounted auto fuel tank from being penetrated during a rear impact (such a covering a Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Tank with Kevlar fabric or Kevlar Sheet)? How about protecting the floor pan mounted Lithium Ion Batteries in a Telsa S Sedan (I would need about 25 square feet (5' x 5') to cover the Jeep Cherokee and about 40 square feet 5' x 8') to cover the Telsa S batteries. What kind of Kevlar protection should I use? And how much would it cost for 25 or 40 square feet?
 
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I highly doubt it.

Kevlar tends to stop sharp pointy things from piercing, or fabric from tearing. Crashes tend to be more of a blunt force that causes rupture due to deformation. A nice thick steel plate would probably be a better bet. 4x4 offroaders tend to use skidplates when ground clearance is an issue for the fuel tank.

Though a rear mounting is a bloody funny place to put a fuel tank. I thought people stopped doing that after the Pinto.
 

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