Increase in aluminum use saves 1 billion liters of fuel per year in Europe
Aluminum use in Europe has grown from 100 to 290 lbs per car since 1990 and is expected to add another 55 lbs by 2010. The weight reductions from replacing steel and other materials with the lighter metal have contributed to annual fuel consumption reductions of about 250 million gallons according to a new study. The European Aluminum Association and Knibb, Gormezano & Partners did a study with data from car-makers and suppliers based on the 15 million cars produced in 2005. Along with the reduced fuel consumption, CO2 emissions are reduced by 40 million tonnes over the life-cycle of the vehicles. Aluminum is being increasingly used in engine blocks and heads, suspension components and also in body panels and structures. More detail can be found at the Read link.
[Source: GreenCarCongress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 10:35AM (1/16/2007)
More interesting facts on aluminum... http://www.burnaluminum.com/ Apparently, the stuff is made using Aluminium Electrolysis which consumes HUGE amounts of electric power (read electrons), but it stores and then releases this energy like a chemical battery. You green and recycling types are going to love this… It’s a paradigm change that some will find difficult.
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Doug R 1:13PM (1/18/2007)
There is no satisfying the greenies Tim. Haven't you learned that by now? They live in their own parallel universe devoid of reality. You see, facts just get in the way.
One exciting thing the Brits have done is with the Lotus Elise. Their hi-tech aluminum chassis has made a great stride towards true collision safety for a small car. The high box frame sides are particularly note worthy. Although you certainly can't pick up the kids and the groceries with it, which I know is not the intention. But this could be said for pretty much all the econo-boxes out there that are alot less fun to drive.
A big change from the "make the whole darn aluminum can implode in on you and hope the air bags save a life, or two" approach. I'd rather deal with whiplash than bleed to death while being cut out of my vehicle, praying that I'm lucky enough to only be maimed for life. Car companies can't be all to blame. Rediculous CAFE standards are the main culprit. It is clear that real safety has taken a back seat to fuel economy. Goody for those 50,000 a year involved in accidents.
Little cars have no mass, so the design concepts focusing on rigidity must be implemented.
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