Day by day, companies are realising the importance of sustainable manufacturing, sustainable material use, and embracing eco-friendly products in their daily lives. As sustainability laws are tightening, it is becoming imperative for businesses to find ways to stay compliant, reduce their carbon footprint, and protect the environment.
Right now, the automotive industry has cracked the code as using aluminium in vehicles continues to gain traction. But why so? It is observed that when aluminium is used instead of steel, the weight of the vehicle drops by 45%. Therefore, aluminium is an important driving force in the modern transportation sector and lightweight automobiles. But what do lightweight vehicles have to do with prolonged sustainability?
How are lightweight aluminium autos switching gears towards sustainability The use of aluminium in modern vehicles equals more direct and indirect sustainability benefits.
Less weight, less fuel consumption
Aluminium is a major component of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), for the battery as well as internal combustion engines. The green metal offers more charging efficiency. Aluminium BEVs recharge quickly and consume less electricity compared to other BEVs. Hence, less electricity consumption means it is better for the environment.
The lighter vehicle goes farther
Lightweighting also improves the performance of the vehicle. Replacing heavier vehicle parts with lighter ones can reduce the vehicle's weight by 10% to 60%. It, in turn, increases the automobile's fuel economy by 6% to 8%. Fuel economy measures the distance a vehicle can cover with a specific level of fuel. Lighter automobiles take less fuel power to move. Therefore, while it consumes less energy during each trip, the car can go farther on each charge.
Closed-loop recycling process
One cannot talk about aluminium without mentioning recycling at least once. Closed-loop recycling is defined as a product that is used, recycled, and transformed into a new product. In a closed-loop process, the material or worn-out product does not enter the landfill. Automobile manufacturers can extract and recycle nearly 95% of aluminium from an end-of-life vehicle. Such recyclability approaches not only reduce the pressure on raw materials or for extracting and producing primary aluminium. Closed-loop recycling also helps automobile manufacturers save electricity and water- two essential production resources. One of the automobile giants, Ford, is already practising closed- loop recycling and utilising aluminium scraps in F-150 trucks. Other big names planning to embrace closed-loop recycling are Toyota, Volvo, and Jaguar.
Despite the notable sustainability benefits of aluminium in lightweight modern vehicles, is it safe from competition?
How does aluminium fare in the automobile industry?
Aluminium, as a lightweight and infinitely recyclable metal, is making its way as a new-age material for automobile manufacturers. But will it face competition from plastics, more so from recycled plastic automotive parts?
Aluminium is still the uncontested hero of the modern automobile landscape, especially for electric vehicles. But plastic (carbon fibre reinforced) seems to be rising and offering an alternative lightweight option for auto manufacturers. Lightweight plastic parts like sensors and cameras in self-driven cars offer freedom of movement. Additionally, it offers advantages similar to a lightweight aluminium vehicle when it comes to carbon footprint reduction. But don't we all know that plastic and plastic products have been a nemesis to sustainability efforts and the environment for a long time! Can an alternative use polish its image in one of the major industries across economies?
In the end, the real question is, will recycled plastic and aluminium learn to coexist in the automotive industry? Or will the term "recycled plastic" be enough to lure away customers and manufacturers from aluminium? - Unlikely so, but aluminium industry players shouldn't take the threat from other emerging lightweight materials for automobiles lightly.
The future of aluminium and sustainability in the automotive industry:
According to the AL Circle’s latest industry-focused report, “Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024”, the transportation sector is anticipated to be a key demand driver of aluminium, and the electric vehicle segment will play a vital role.
One does not have to dig deep to understand that, with time, these numbers will only grow. However, as the scope of aluminium in modern vehicles increases, new challenges will also unfold.
So, is the rising use of aluminium in automobiles another fading trend, a greenwashing technique, or a long-term lifestyle changer? As we leave you pondering, it is true that time, market changes and economic conditions, among other factors, can determine the fate of aluminium in the automotive industry.
