Why should cars be lighter?

Why should cars be lighter?

Accelerating a light vehicle takes less energy than accelerating a heavy one, so lightweight materials are a clear solution. According to the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technology Office, a 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight can result in a 6 to 8 percent improvement in fuel economy.

What is the lightest metal for cars?

Magnesium—the lightest of all structural metals—has a lot going for it in the quest to make ever lighter cars and trucks that go farther on a tank of fuel or battery charge.

Why the automotive industry is moving towards lightweight vehicles?

The increased demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in which composites’ usage for lightweighting is of essence, has turned automakers’ focus to lightweight composite materials as a substitute for heavier steel and iron in all types of vehicles.

What are advantages of light materials?

Lightweight materials are essential for boosting the fuel economy of modern cars while maintaining their safety and performance. Because it takes less energy to accelerate a lighter car than a heavier one, lightweight materials offer more potential for both automakers and auto buyers.

Are heavier cars better?

A bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences. Heavier vehicles also tend to continue moving forward in crashes with lighter vehicles and other obstacles, so the people inside them are subject to less force.

How do you lightweight a car?

1. Remove or swap heavy electrical components.
2. Fit lighter body panels.
3. Replace glass windows with polycarbonate.
4. Lighter wheels.
5. Put less fuel in your tank.
6. Lose bodyweight/friends. Image source: Magnus D on Flickr.

What is a lightweight vehicle?

Lightweight vehicle means a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, but does not include a vehicle transporting passengers for hire or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials that must be placarded or marked under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 177.823.

Why do automotive industry needs lightweight composites?

For boosting the fuel economy, maintaining safety and performance of modern automobiles; lightweight composite materials are essential. It can reduce the exhaust emission and enhanced the fuel economy. Weight reduction is inversely proportional to cost reduction [9].

What is lightweight for a car?

Lightweighting is a concept in the auto industry about building cars and trucks that are less heavy as a way to achieve better fuel efficiency and handling. Carmakers make parts from carbon fiber, windshields from plastic, and bumpers out of aluminum foam, as ways to lessen vehicle load.