Energy Department Investments to Develop Lighter, Stronger Materials for Greater Vehicle Fuel Economy
U.S. Department of Energy, August 13, 2012
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced seven new projects to
accelerate the development and deployment of stronger and lighter
materials for the next generation of American-made cars and trucks.
These projects include the development and validation of modeling tools
to deliver higher performing carbon fiber composites and advanced
steels, as well as research into new lightweight, high-strength alloys
for energy-efficient vehicle and truck engines. The projects will help
provide additional technologies and innovations that will enable
manufacturers to continue to improve vehicle fuel efficiency beyond the
regulated levels. Replacing cast iron and traditional steel components
with lightweight materials – including advanced high-strength steel,
magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber composites – allows vehicle
manufacturers to include additioonal safety devices, integrated
electronic systems and emissions control equipment on vehicles without
increasing their weight. Using lighter materials also reduces a
vehicle’s fuel consumption. Reducing a vehicle’s weight by just 10
percent can improve the fuel economy by 6 to 8 percent.
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