With new government regulations on fuel efficiency, auto makers are facing a difficult decision, a decision that will greatly affect how cars are built in the future. By 2025, their fleets need to average 54.5 miles per gallon, and they will only be able to achieve it by lightening their cars considerably. Steel has been the favored material for years, but now they must choose between high-strength steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber composites.
Of course, one of the biggest challenges facing these automakers is making these cars lighter with different materials while also ensuring that these cars are safe. How will aluminum cars hold up in an accident, particularly with older model cars made of traditional steel? Automakers and the NHTSA have assured drivers that these new models will have to undergo the same rigorous safety tests as any other car, and these new materials will not change their high expectations of quality.
Another question on people’s minds is how this change in materials will affect the cost of production. Luckily, most of these materials are either the same price or only slightly more costly than steel. Ronald P. Kurpitzer of the American Iron and Steel Institute has stated that a part that formerly weighed 100 pounds could now be produced as high-strength steel weighing only 75 pounds at no additional cost. Aluminum has been quoted as costing approximately $600 to $800 more to produce a body in white, and carbon fiber could cost an additional $1,200. These numbers could go down as manufacturers perfect the process, though.
The good news for drivers is that even though the cost of these cars might go up slightly in the next few years, consumers will be saving in the long run at the pump. Fuel efficiency will be improved so much that even if the car’s manufacturing costs several hundred dollars extra, that will easily be made up in savings on gas.
If you are looking for a more fuel-efficient car, Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to find you a car that fits your needs and your financial situation. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest car news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!
Image courtesy of Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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