Automakers ditch copper for aluminium to slash costs and weight

Automakers are increasingly turning to aluminium as a replacement for copper in vehicle production. The move aims to cut costs and reduce weight, with major brands already adopting the change. Rising copper prices and supply chain instability have accelerated this shift. Ferrari and BMW are among the manufacturers developing new models with less copper and more aluminium, especially in wiring systems. Many Chinese carmakers, along with Tesla, have also embraced this trend to stay competitive.

JPMorgan forecasts a 2% drop in global copper demand this year because of the auto industry’s transition. Jonver, a Chinese supplier, has seen aluminium’s share of its sales rise from 20% in 2023 to 30% in 2024, driven by growing demand from car producers. The switch to aluminium offers automakers a way to lower production expenses and improve efficiency. Lighter vehicles and reduced material costs are expected to benefit the industry in the long term. The trend signals a notable change in material preferences for car manufacturing.