Life Cycle Analysis of Cars - Experiences and Results

Schuckert, Manfred; Saur, Konrad; Florin, H.; Eyerer, Peter

doi:10.4271/951836

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Production of aluminum parts is energy intensive, but can be reduced by about 75% by using recycled materials. Initial analyses of aluminumintensive vehicles showed a payback in net energy use after a large number of miles, in some cases more than expected vehicle life (e.g., [12]), but these studies generally did not consider use of recycled materials. Numerous analyses were also published for specific parts.…”

Section: Implications For Life Cycle Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Operation of an Aluminum-Intensive Vehicle: Report on a Six-Year Project

Gaines¹,

Cuenca²

2002

SAE Technical Paper Series

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In 1994, Ford produced a small demonstration fleet of Mercury Sables with aluminum bodies. Argonne National Laboratory obtained one of these vehicles on a lease so that Laboratory staff could observe the wear characteristics of the body under normal operating conditions. The vehicle was placed in the transportation pool, parked outdoors, and used by staff members for both local and longer trips. The vehicle performed normally, except for having particularly good acceleration because of its light weight and highpower SHO engine. No significant problems were encountered that related to the Al body or engine. No special driving protocols were observed, but a log was kept of trip lengths and fuel purchases. Fuel economy was observed to be improved, compared with that of a similar conventional steel-bodied vehicle that was available for one year of the lease period. The vehicle was tested on a chassis dynamometer to obtain emissions and fuel economy over the federal test cycle. The impacts of further mass reduction were also simulated. At the end of the lease, the body was in excellent condition, which we documented with a set of detailed photographs before the vehicle was returned to Ford. There were minor imperfections in the painted surface, probably resulting from the omission of an E-coat during the painting process. We also examined three similar conventional vehicles for comparison; these exhibited varying degrees of rust.

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Section: Implications For Life Cycle Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%