Cited by 243Environmental Impact and SustainabilityVehicle emissions and performanceEngineering and Materials Science Studies

Life-cycle energy and greenhouse gas emission benefits of lightweighting in automobiles: Review and harmonization

Kim, Hyung Chul, Wallington, Timothy J.·2013·Environmental Science & Technology

Abstract

Replacing conventional materials (steel and iron) with lighter alternatives (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, and composites) decreases energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during vehicle use but may increase energy consumption and GHG emissions during vehicle production. There have been many life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on the benefits of vehicle lightweighting, but the wide variety of assumptions used makes it difficult to compare results from the studies. To clarify the benefits of vehicle lightweighting we have reviewed the available literature (43 studies). The GHG emissions and primary energy results from 33 studies that passed a screening process were harmonized using a common set of assumptions (lifetime distance traveled, fuel-mass coefficient, secondary weight reduction factor, fuel consumption allocation, recycling rate, and energy intensity of materials). After harmonization, all studies indicate that using aluminum, glass-fiber reinforced plastic, and high strength steel to replace conventional steel decreases the vehicle life cycle energy use and GHG emissions. Given the flexibility in options implied by the variety of materials available and consensus that these materials have substantial energy and emissions benefits, it seems likely that lightweighting will be used increasingly to improve fuel economy and reduce life cycle GHG emissions from vehicles.

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Crossref · 10.1021/es3042115

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Authors
Kim, H. C., & Wallington, T. J.
Affiliations
Ford Motor Company (United States) (US)
Corresponding author
Kim, Hyung Chul
Venue
Environmental Science & Technology
Published
2013-05-28
Volume
47
Issue
12
Pages
6089-6097
ISSN
  • 0013-936X (ISSN-L)
  • 1520-5851
OpenAlex
W2072737093
Cited by
243
References
46
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 2
FWCI
9.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Environmental Science & Technology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › Environmental Impact and Sustainability
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Vehicle emissions and performance
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Engineering and Materials Science Studies
Keywords
automotive lightweighting, life cycle energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, automotive materials, aluminum, magnesium, glass fiber, high-strength steel, steel replacement, fuel economy, recycling rate
MeSH terms
Aluminum, Automobiles, Steel, Greenhouse Effect

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