ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE AND TED.COM

http://www.rmi.org/
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks

Weight and Size Aren't the Same Thing

There was a time when light cars and small cars were believed to be one in the same. The reality is, it is size – not weight – that helps protect drivers from impact during a crash. It's also true that lightweight cars are less damaging to the environment because heavier cars burn more fuel and, therefore emit more carbon.

Cars Have Bulked Up for Specific Reasons

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, the average 2007 model SUV on average weighs 500 pounds more than in 1990, while compact cars have bulked up, too (about 374 pounds). And it's not because the size of vehicles has increased; instead, it's due to cars having bigger engines, heftier steel construction, and weightier parts. The reality is advancements in materials such as lightweight steel and aluminum have resulted in an ability to manufacture strong, stiff cars that are in line with steel construction without compromising safety (or size).

Lightweighting Doesn't Mean Sacrificing Performance

Redesigning cars to make them more lightweight can be done in many ways, including making changes to the interiors of cars. For example, lighter seats add up to a lighter vehicle. At the end of the day, a lightweight car not only has superior handling, but it also accelerates faster and has the potential to brake quicker, too.

It's Not Just the Body

There are many car parts that can benefit from the use of lightweight materials. These days, more and more new cars are being manufactured with aluminum components, such as engine covers, pumps, and cylinder blocks.

Benefits of Being Light Weight

Using materials that reduce the weight of cars improves the efficiency of engines and gas mileage while decreasing petroleum usage and carbon dioxide emissions.