How do lightweight body components enhance the energy efficiency of Geely’s new energy vehicles? Lightweight body components have become a key breakthrough in improving energy efficiency and extending range, driving innovation across the entire value chain from material selection, structural design to manufacturing processes.
The application of lightweight high-strength materials such as aluminium alloys, high-strength steel, and carbon fibre composites provides the material foundation for body weight reduction. Carbon fibre composites, with their higher specific strength and design flexibility, achieve more extreme weight reduction in critical load-bearing components. Although they are more expensive, they are gradually penetrating the mid-range market as manufacturing processes mature.
Structural optimisation design is another key dimension of lightweighting. Traditional solid steel beams are replaced with hollow variable-section structures, or perforated and grid designs are adopted in non-critical areas. From concept design to mass production validation, each stage simulates collision and vibration conditions using virtual simulation technology, reducing the number of physical prototype tests and shortening the R&D cycle.
Integrated casting technology uses ultra-large casting machines to cast multiple dispersed components into a single piece, achieving dual improvements in body structure lightweighting and production efficiency. The application of advanced connection technologies such as laser welding and adhesive bonding further enhances the integrity and safety of connections between dissimilar materials.
How do lightweight body components enhance the energy efficiency of Geely’s new energy vehicles? Lightweight body components have a multi-dimensional effect on energy efficiency. Reducing vehicle weight directly lowers driving resistance, reduces battery energy consumption, and significantly increases range under the same battery capacity. Lowering vehicle weight also reduces tire-to-road friction, further lowering energy consumption.
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