Porsche joins Alumobility to publish ‘Aluminium Lightweight Study’ advocating increased aluminium use in vehicles

Porsche and Alumobility are at the forefront of a constructive initiative poised to redefine automotive engineering. Their collaborative effort aims to revolutionise vehicle design by replacing traditional steel-intensive structures with lightweight aluminium alternatives. This strategic shift not only propagates a commitment to innovation but also highlights the pivotal role of aluminium in shaping the future of transportation.

In a joint endeavour, Porsche and Alumobility introduce a paradigm shift in automotive construction with the unveiling of their latest study. By transitioning from a steel-based framework to an aluminium-centric design, the partners seek to capitalise on the inherent advantages of aluminium, notably its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

The case for aluminium integration

The study, titled “Aluminium Lightweight Study: A Conversion of the Porsche Taycan Top Hat from Mixed Material to an Aluminium Design,” serves as a testament to the efficacy of aluminium integration in the automotive sector. Through meticulous analysis and simulation, the partners demonstrate that adopting an all-aluminium structure can yield remarkable weight savings of up to 40%, without compromising safety or performance metrics.

Beyond its lightweight properties, aluminium offers a myriad of benefits that extend to manufacturing efficiency. By streamlining production processes and reducing component complexity, the transition to aluminium-intensive designs presents a compelling case for enhanced operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Professor Mark White, Technical Director of Alumobility, will join Jens Christlein, Director of R&D Body in White at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Germany to present the scope and results of their study. A Q&A session with the audience will follow the presentation.

“For us at Porsche it is a great benefit to get state-of-the art technical industry input regarding lightweight structures. The cooperation with Alumobility and its entire team was very efficient and provided many interesting features which will help us to optimize our cars further toward benchmarking performance,” exclaimed the Director R&D Body in White with Porsche AG, Jens Christlein.

Sustainability at the forefront

Central to the collaboration between Porsche and Alumobility is a shared commitment to sustainability. Through the utilisation of recycled aluminium, the partners pave the way for a greener automotive landscape, significantly reducing lifetime emissions and bolstering environmental stewardship.

If you wish to learn more about the entire aluminium sector at large keep an eye out for AL Circle’s report, Future of Aluminium in Transportation sector.