These days, manufacturers are striving to produce fuel-efficient vehicles. To do this, they develop engines that consume less energy by using new technologies like direct injection or even hybrid systems. Certain manufacturers, such as Lotus, are more concerned by the weight of the car. A light vehicle is indeed easier to move; its engine isn't called upon as much and it consumes less fuel.
To reduce weight, manufacturers have to use materials that are both light and rigid. Aluminum and carbon fibre are two commonly used materials, but they're much more expensive than steel. However, the American Iron and Steel Institute suggests an interesting alternative: high-strength steel.
At the moment, the use of this steel reduces a vehicle's weight by up to 25%, but recent developments lead the Institute to believe that it will soon be possible to reduce it by 35%. The interesting feature of this new steel is the fact that it's just as strong as conventional steel but considerably lighter.
What's more, manufacturing high-strength steel produces a lot less greenhouse gases than producing aluminum: it's a greener process. Initially, the use of high-strength steel seems to be an interesting option, but an important detail hasn't been mentioned: the price. In order for it to be successful, its production cost must be lower than that of aluminum.
photo:General Motors
To reduce weight, manufacturers have to use materials that are both light and rigid. Aluminum and carbon fibre are two commonly used materials, but they're much more expensive than steel. However, the American Iron and Steel Institute suggests an interesting alternative: high-strength steel.
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At the moment, the use of this steel reduces a vehicle's weight by up to 25%, but recent developments lead the Institute to believe that it will soon be possible to reduce it by 35%. The interesting feature of this new steel is the fact that it's just as strong as conventional steel but considerably lighter.
What's more, manufacturing high-strength steel produces a lot less greenhouse gases than producing aluminum: it's a greener process. Initially, the use of high-strength steel seems to be an interesting option, but an important detail hasn't been mentioned: the price. In order for it to be successful, its production cost must be lower than that of aluminum.
photo:General Motors