In times gone by, cars would weigh a ton and be much slower and more difficult to manoeuvre as a result. But today, across the board, car manufacturers are managing to make lighter and lighter vehicles. So, how are they doing it? Here we look a little further into it.
Lightweight Advanced Materials
Lightweight advanced materials enable car manufacturers today to make weight savings without putting people’s safety at risk. How so? Well, modern-day cars use lightweight materials such as aluminium, durable steel, and carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP). These materials are considerably lighter compared to traditional steel, reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.
Lightweight modern advanced materials used for cars are compatible with the slick CNC machining of today because they are extremely easy to cut through. Ward CNC are a leading UK supplier of CNC machine tools that provides car manufacturers with an excellent customer experience year after year.
Better Design and Engineering
Computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools help to create lighter and stronger components. Car manufacturers are making the most of advanced design and engineering to improve the structure of vehicles.
By studying stress points and load distribution, engineers are able to get rid of unnecessary weight and concentrate on areas that require reinforcement, this there reduces the weight of the car.
Integration of Modern Tech
Without a doubt, modern cars incorporate advanced technology systems that result in weight reductions. For instance, having integrated Electronic Control Units (ECUs) enables multiple mechanical systems to be consolidated, bringing down the overall weight load.
For hybrid and electric vehicles, lightweight lithium-ion batteries contribute to even greater weight reduction.
Downsized parts
Back in the day, car engines used to be big clunky things. Nowadays, downsized engines help to make cars much lighter. Dual-clutch transmissions and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) also reduce weight and ensure better fuel economy.
Improved aerodynamics
The purposely optimised shape and design of modern cars mean that manufacturers are able to limit the amount of drag and turbulence, which reduces energy consumption. Neat sleekly designed body contours, underbody panels, and retractable spoilers also contribute towards lighter cars.