Evolution in the content of strategic metals in a passenger car and its implications for the circular economy

Iglesias-Émbil, Marta ; Ortego, Abel ; Valero, Alicia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Villalba, Gara

Resumen: Several studies have been published in recent years that analyze the strategic metal content in passenger cars. Nonetheless, they indicate the metal composition of a particular car's generation. However, an important question is how this metal composition evolves over generations. Thus, in this study, for the first time, the evolution of the demand for metals in a specific car over the last decade is analyzed, revealing consumption trends in the automotive sector. This assessment is carried out for 12 car configurations in terms of mass as well as thermodynamic rarity, an indicator reflecting resource use. One of the main conclusions of our work is that, despite relevant metal content reduction strategies, the metal content in cars has increased over time because of the rise of electronics and more powerful engines. Approximately 50 metals are contained in a conventional car, and 35, particularly aluminum and copper, have increased in content over generations. Moreover, although the amount of gold and tantalum has decreased in car electronics due to miniaturization, the quantity of many minor metals, such as alloying elements and rare earths in actuators, has substantially increased. Hence, this confirms the necessity of applying the rarity indicator in the resource assessment. On the basis of these results, designs for circularity recommendations for future car models are drawn, such as redesigning the electronic architecture, reducing the number of different steel alloys, or introducing recycled aluminum. Overall, the proposed measures imply a significant change in car design, highlighting the necessity of developing a circular economy within the automotive industry.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145048

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Journal of Cleaner Production 495 (2025), 145048 [11 pp.]
ISSN: 0959-6526

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/101003587/EU/leading the TRansion of the European Automotive SUpply chain towards a circulaR futurE/TREASURE
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2023-148401OB-I00

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Máquinas y Motores Térmi. (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)