January 9, 2025
Plastics, with their increasing and widespread roles, are proving to be essential in shaping the fields of both vehicle design and performance. With the automotive industry focusing on creating more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced vehicles, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of plastic products and chemical products has surged.
By helping to reduce a vehicle’s weight, these materials enhance fuel efficiency, improve driving range, and elevate safety features, making vehicles better than ever before.
The use of plastics in automotive manufacturing has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century. Initially, plastics were introduced for their lightweight properties helping to lighten vehicles and make fuel efficiency better than before. Over time, automakers discovered that plastics could also offer design flexibility, corrosion resistance, and cost savings.
As vehicles became more advanced, the role of plastic products expanded, supporting innovations in safety, comfort, and functionality. Today, the demand for plastics is growing rapidly, especially with the increasing number of EVs that are hitting the road. These vehicles require even more plastic components to achieve the necessary balance between weight reduction and performance, making plastics an indispensable material in modern automotive manufacturing.
According to a recent report from the American Chemistry Council, over the past decade, the value of chemistry in vehicles has increased by 31%, reflecting the automotive industry’s growing reliance on advanced materials.
The increase demonstrates the importance of plastics and other chemical products in meeting the demands for more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced vehicles. The use of plastics and polymer composites in vehicles has risen, now accounting for 18% of a new vehicle’s average weight while making up 50% of its volume.
This shift highlights how plastic products have become integral to modern vehicle design, offering a distinct combination of lightweight properties and volume efficiency that supports both fuel efficiency and enhanced vehicle functionality.
The use of plastic products in vehicles plays an important role in improving fuel efficiency and extending range, particularly in EVs.
Lightweight plastics and composites significantly contribute to better fuel efficiency by reducing the overall weight of vehicles. When vehicles are lighter, they require less energy to move, leading to improved miles per gallon (MPG) in fuel-powered vehicles and extended range per charge in EVs.
By replacing heavier materials such as metal with advanced plastics, automakers can design vehicles that consume less energy while maintaining strength and safety.
Reducing a vehicle’s weight can directly impact electric vehicle energy consumption. For example, studies show that for every 10% reduction in vehicle weight, there can be a 6-8% improvement in fuel economy. In the context of EVs, this weight reduction is even more important as it directly correlates with the vehicle’s range.
Reducing a vehicle’s weight improves fuel efficiency and extends its driving range, an essential advantage for electric vehicles. As EVs continue to become more prevalent, the demand for greater range is driving the increased use of lightweight plastics and composites.
Recent findings suggest that lighter vehicles can achieve significantly longer ranges, making them more appealing to consumers and supporting the continued growth of the EV market. This trend is expected to accelerate as automakers prioritize range extension in their designs, offering a promising future for the EV market.
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Plastics play an important role in improving and enhancing vehicle safety, contributing to both traditional safety features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Their versatility and resilience are foundational for modern automotive safety, offering protection and reliability in essential components.
Plastic products are fundamental to the functionality of important safety components such as seatbelts and airbags. These materials provide the strength and flexibility required to make sure that these essential features function effectively in the event of a collision.
On top of this, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, which can absorb significantly more energy than steel, are used in various structural elements to enhance crash safety. These composites help to protect vehicle occupants by absorbing impact forces, reducing the likelihood of injury.
Beyond occupant protection, these advanced materials also contribute to the overall durability of the vehicle, helping it withstand the stress factors of everyday use and unexpected impacts.
ADAS, such as lane departure notifications, rely heavily on durable and lightweight plastics in their manufacturing. These systems depend on a network of cameras, sensors, and other electronic components that require materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions while remaining lightweight.
Plastic products provide the ideal solution, offering both enhanced protection and efficiency. Using plastic materials, manufacturers can make sure that these essential systems operate reliably, contributing to the overall safety and effectiveness of modern vehicles.
Anyone involved in the automotive industry needs to stay informed about the latest advancements in plastic products and their role in vehicle manufacturing. With innovations continuing to shape the future of transportation, staying up-to-date with these developments helps guarantee that you will remain competitive and knowledgeable.
PLASTICS, the Plastics Industry Association, provides a wealth of resources to keep you informed. Check out our extensive reports and the latest industry news, and consider becoming a member today so that you can stay ahead in this constantly changing field.
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
