Faced with pressing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) 2025 targets, automobile manufacturers are using a number of methods to improve fuel economy. Engine downsizing, turbo systems, electrification, aerodynamics and lightweighting are among the most effective methods. In 2017, there was considerable focus on electrification—will it gain market acceptance, and if so, how will it affect material selection? Logically, range-limited vehicles will benefit most from lightweight materials. Yet because they are adding expensive batteries and related operating systems, costs must be carefully managed.
Light Duty Vehicle Market
Enlighten Awards – Most Lightweighting is Powertrain Agnostic
Weight efficiency benefits for ICE, EVs and hybrids Perhaps the most well-known automotive award for vehicle-weight reduction, referred to as lightweighting, is the Enlighten Award,
March 1, 2019
