As battery technology continues to evolve and charging stations become more widespread, range anxiety for electric vehicles is gradually decreasing. Currently, the main concerns are energy consumption and vehicle handling, prompting manufacturers to focus more on lightweighting as a key competitive advantage.
On July 20, a major automaker unveiled the Exeed ES 2027 model at the Tongji University Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Center in Shanghai. A primary feature of this new vehicle is its emphasis on lightweight construction, notably incorporating the all-aluminum Flying Fish Chassis 2.0, which cuts unsprung weight by 60 kilograms.
Lightweighting is not a new concept. Historically, internal combustion engine vehicles highlighted this as a crucial aspect for enhancing handling and improving fuel economy. However, during the initial stages of electric vehicle development, manufacturers prioritized adding larger batteries and luxury features, resulting in increasingly heavier cars. This has led to debates over the negative impact overweight EVs can have on road infrastructure.
Recently, a prominent Chinese automaker introduced an intelligent electric drive system that integrates 16 core hardware components, including the motor, electronic controls, and reducer. This new system weighs only 75 kilograms, approximately 15% less than conventional options.
Additionally, the company showcased its Starray wheels, crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and processed through T6 heat treatment to achieve a balance between weight reduction and durability.
In June, another EV manufacturer announced its new Onvo L60, which is about 300 kilograms lighter than comparable models in its class, owing to the extensive use of high-strength lightweight materials, an ultra-slim 85-kWh battery pack, and a 900-volt high-performance silicon carbide electric drive system.
Experts say that producing lighter vehicles involves technological challenges and cost considerations. Automakers are cautious about reducing features because consumers often value comfort, and cutting back on configurations can harm market appeal and competitiveness.
Whether lightweighting will evolve into a tangible benefit for consumers or remain primarily an engineering focus is still uncertain, industry insiders note.
One solution highlighted involves increasing efficiency and minimizing costs without compromising user experience. According to Xu Jun, COO of a leading NEV startup in China, the goal is to find a balance that optimizes battery performance while ensuring affordability and customer satisfaction.