Circularity meets Lightweight Design for the Future of Automotive

Lightweighting strategies have proven effective in reducing the weight of internal combustion cars. However, the transition to electromobility requires an even greater commitment. Electric vehicles (EV) are anticipated to make up 75% of new car registrations in Europe by 2030, driven by the phase-out regulations of internal combustion cars in major markets. Nevertheless, it's crucial to note that EV manufacturing currently results in 80% higher CO2e emissions compared to the production of internal combustion cars. Hence EV production is the main emitting phase in the life cycle but also the one with the highest reduction potential. Circularity strategies have arisen across the entire value chain to decrease the environmental impact of EV manufacturing. However, several challenges remain. These include the heterogeneity of the value chain between different designs, the difficulty in selecting the most effective design for circularity strategies, and the lack of a widely accepted methodology that offers ready-to-use solutions, among other issues. How can the European automotive industry address the circularity challenges while keeping the pace on improving lightweight performance? Join our panel forum where the experts from the European Lightweight Cluster Alliance (ELCA) will discuss the challenges and trends in automotive circularity alongside the innovations needed for improving lightweight performance.

Speakers: Dr Stefan CABA, Head of Innovation Field Sustainable Vehicle Development - EDAG Engineering GmbH / Prof Ahmed ELMARAKBI, Professor - Northumbria University at Newcastle / Dr Thomas HIPKE, Division Director - FRAUNHOFER IWU / Dr Thierry RENAULT, Senior Expert Composites - FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITES / Dr Violeta VARGAS-PARRA, Researcher - Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya
Moderator: Dr Ricardo del VALLE, Senior Innovation Consultant - Bax and Company