Are you aware your next EV will have aluminium?

Can you not wait to upgrade to a new car and drive an advanced electric vehicle (EV) home? You are not alone. EVs are the future of automotive as everyone is rushing towards sustainability. According to estimates, revenue in the EV market is projected to reach US$457.60 billion in 2023. Furthermore, revenue is estimated to expand at a 17.02% annual rate (CAGR 2023-2027), resulting in a market volume of US$858.00 billion by 2027.

As the EV market heats up, so will the aluminium sector. According to CRU, by 2030, 10 million tonnes of aluminium will be required for EVs, which is ten times the demand in 2017. Honestly, why?

Why aluminium is the metal of choice for Evs:

The quick response is that aluminium is a metal with much potential. The following five points explain the lengthy response:

• Corrosion resistance: Since aluminium is non-corrosive, vehicles made from this metal have an extended life. Additionally, they remain rust-free and require less maintenance.
• Design flexibility: Aluminium is known for its high malleability and tensile properties. Hence, manufacturers enjoy design flexibility across different car components while using metal in EVs.
• Innovative battery design: Lithium-ion batteries are predominantly used in EVs. However, their major downside is they cannot be recharged in case of a full discharge. Additionally, they are susceptible to damage due to temperature variations during charging. To find a more sustainable alternative, aluminium air batteries are invented, game changers for EVs. These affordable and long-range batteries produce power using aluminium and oxygen. They are significantly lighter than conventional batteries.
• Recyclability:Aluminium has a high recyclability rate, and almost 90% of aluminium used in a vehicle can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle. Therefore, it increases the car's salvage value.
• Increased passenger safety: Aluminium is better at ensuring the safety of the passengers. It absorbs most of the shock caused during an accident and protects the car's structure and passengers. Compared to mild steel, it can absorb twice the crash energy.

The myriad capabilities of aluminium and its green metal angle are increasing its popularity amongst EV makers. Besides building fuel-efficient and safe vehicles, makers want to penetrate the market by making EVs affordable.