Lighter body means more fuel efficient cars

If automakers use more aluminum and less steel in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles, they could cut the cost to consumers by US$3,000 per vehicle, according to a new report. The research, by the Aluminum Association and Ricardo, a technical research consultancy, said the move making lighter vehicles, with more aluminum, would increase their driving range. Michael Bull, director of Automotive Technology for aluminum products maker at Novelis, Inc. said that “By upgrading from traditional steel to an advanced aluminum body structure, the vehicle’s stored energy requirements can be cut by about 10%, which could save up to US$3,000 per vehicle since less power and energy is required to move the lighter vehicle.” There was universal acknowledgment, he said, that making cars and trucks lighter would increase their fuel efficiency and cut costs by reducing the battery energy requirements. (October 20, 2009)