Automotive lightweight materials are used in the manufacture of passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
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These materials are designed to reduce a cars’ weight which, in turn, improves fuel efficiency, acceleration and driving dynamics, while maintaining safety.
Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, component manufacturers, and assemblers are increasingly leaning towards lightweight materials.
This shift is, largely and in part, due to the growing emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
Stringent government regulations related to fuel economy and emissions and consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles are also key factors driving the global automotive lightweight materials market.
Leading suppliers of automotive lightweight materials for the automotive industry
Our Just Auto team has carefully researched and now listed some of the leading suppliers of lightweight materials for the automotive industry, information based on its intel, insights, and decades-long experience in the sector.
The list includes manufacturers and suppliers of lightweight materials for automotive applications.
Our download document contains a wealth of valuable industry information and insights.
The content is designed for automotive designers, engineers, consultants, system integrators, auto body technicians, mechanics, and other automotive industry executives and technology leaders involved in automotive design, production and servicing.
Our automotive lightweight materials download also contains detailed information on lightweight materials suppliers and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decision.
Types of lightweight materials
Lightweight automotive materials are replacing low-carbon steel and cast iron used in the construction of vehicles.
The types of materials used for lightweight or vehicle weight reduction are:
- Aluminium alloys
- Magnesium alloys
- Advanced high-strength steel (AHSS)
- Ultra-high strength steel (UHSS)
- Carbon fibre-reinforced plastics
- Titanium, and
- Polymer composites
Applications of automotive lightweight materials
Lightweight materials are used in vehicle components such as the body shell, braking system, steering, engine, battery, seat, dashboard, bumper, wheel, door panelling, and gearbox.
In addition to reducing weight and increasing fuel efficiency, lightweight materials provide structural safety and crash resistance.
Lightweight materials provide an avenue for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve the range and efficiency of electric vehicles.
They are expected to enable manufacturers to address the range of anxiety issues of electric vehicle users when travelling long distances.
The materials can offset the weight of heavy batteries and motors onboard electric vehicles, and provide opportunities to add additional emission control systems, as well as electronic and safety systems.
Companies are investing in the research and development (R&D) of lightweight materials to develop new materials and increase the recyclability of the materials.
Combining lightweight materials with advanced manufacturing technologies will reduce the cost of these materials and enable their large-scale production.
FAQs
What are the main types of lightweight materials used in automotive manufacturing?
Common lightweight materials include aluminium alloys, magnesium alloys, advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, titanium, and polymer composites.
These materials are chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio, helping to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety.
How do lightweight materials improve vehicle performance?
By reducing the overall weight, these materials enhance fuel efficiency, acceleration, and handling, while also contributing to lower emissions.
Lightweighting is especially critical for electric vehicles, as it extends battery range by offsetting the weight of heavy battery packs.
In which parts of vehicles are lightweight materials commonly used?
Lightweight materials are often applied in body structures, braking systems, steering components, engines, and dashboards.
These materials also help reduce weight in electric vehicles by compensating for the added mass of batteries and electronic components.
What role do lightweight materials play in electric vehicle (EV) design?
In EVs, lightweight materials reduce the vehicle’s weight, increasing battery efficiency and extending driving range.
By balancing out the heavy battery and motor systems, they help automakers address range anxiety, a key concern for EV consumers.
How is the recyclability of lightweight materials being improved?
Manufacturers are investing in research to increase the recyclability of advanced materials like carbon fibre and aluminium.
This effort aims to reduce the environmental impact of lightweighting by ensuring that the materials can be reused or repurposed in future vehicle designs.