As reported by WardsAuto.com, Ford is planning for its next generation F-150 to use aluminum panels as opposed to its traditional steel panels used for the truck’s body. What is the significance? Shedding weight.
As a part of the updated and stricter Fuel Economy Standards pushed forward by the Federal government, Ford is attempting to shed roughly 600 lbs from every vehicle model over the next several years. By reducing weight each vehicle will require less energy to push itself forward and therefore improve its fuel economy.
This transition from steel to aluminum is just one of the many incremental changes automakers are pursuing in their efforts to meet this new fuel standards. But what will this mean for the consumer? Certainly there will be tradeoffs (cost, quality, safety, etc.) but the result will be less CO2 emitted per mile traveled across the United States.