Boost for steel from ultra-low emission vehicles

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The uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles by 2050 could provide a boost to steel producers supplying the European automotive industry, claims a new study from Tata.

The study predicts that production of steel for vehicle structure plus electrical and plated steels, will increase if all new vehicles are zero emissions by 2050.

Demand for advanced steels for the vehicle structure is expected to increase by approximately 2.6 million tonnes by 2050, as manufacturers look to save weight.

According to the study, lightweight alternatives such as aluminium and carbon fibre are expected to have a relatively low impact as they will remain expensive, and are less sustainable in relation to full lifecycle measures.

Another key growth area for steel will be in powertrain components such as electric motors and battery cells. Expected to account for a 1.6 million tonne increase in demand, these components will use greater levels of electrical and plated steels respectively. High-performance electrical steels can improve an electric motor’s efficiency, enhancing range and power, while lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs require advanced plated steel.

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