World Auto Steel updates lifecycle assessment model, includes biofuels impact

In California, WorldAutoSteel has released a 2nd iteration of the its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model, which allows for broader evaluations of automotive materials, powertrains, fuels and vehicle total energy consumed.

Regulations that consider only the vehicle use phase, or tailpipe emissions, can encourage use of low-density, GHG-intensive materials that provide somewhat lighter weight components. However, this may have the unexpected result of increasing GHG emissions during the vehicle’s total life cycle. The original model allowed evaluation of three materials: conventional steel, Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) and aluminium.

The updated model adds magnesium and several composites to the materials that may now be evaluated for their emissions from manufacturing through use and end-of-life. Also, it is now possible to evaluate the impact of bio-fuels and varying agricultural sources for the production of these fuels.

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