What do we see?
The average mass of new cars reached a value of 1,694 kg in 2022 . While the mass remained constant around a value of 1,450 kg through 2019, it started to rise sharply from 2019 onwards at a rate of about 50 kg per year, the increase since 2022 is around 90 kg. This increase seems to be mainly a result of the steep rise of alternative propulsion vehicles since 2019.
What’s the aim?
In a circular economy, we strive to fulfill mobility needs with minimal consumption of materials. To interpret evolutions in the above figures requires a more comprehensive analysis. Presumably, we can see the effect of electric vehicles being on average heavier than conventionally powered vehicles. At the same time, there is also a significant consumption of materials associated with the use phase of vehicles: electrification of the vehicle fleet implies a reduction in direct consumption of gasoline and diesel. The materials demand behind electricity consumption will replace this, it will evolve as a result of the ongoing renewable energy transition.
