Aluminium partnership focuses on low-carbon solutions

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【Summary】Hydro Extrusions has partnered with Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) to provide low-carbon aluminium extrusions for WEVC's upcoming commercial electric vehicle. The eCV1 will be the first vehicle in its category to exclusively use recycled, low-carbon aluminium in its chassis. WEVC aims to reduce embedded carbon in production by over 50% compared to other electric vehicles. The partnership will also explore closed-loop recycling during manufacturing and end-of-vehicle life recycling.

FutureCar Staff Nov 15, 2023 8:17 AM PT

Aluminium partnership focuses on low-carbon solutions

Hydro Extrusions has partnered with Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) to supply recycled, low-carbon aluminium extrusions for WEVC's upcoming commercial electric vehicle, the eCV1. Set to be the first vehicle in its category to exclusively use recycled, low-carbon aluminium in its chassis, the eCV1 is scheduled for production in 2025.

WEVC aims to reduce embedded carbon in the production of the eCV1 by over 50% compared to other electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs). To achieve this, WEVC will leverage its extended design life, patented bonded aluminium Flex-Tech architecture, and Hydro's new low CO2 and recycled aluminium products. This collaboration positions WEVC as the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to reduce CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process.

In addition to their partnership on aluminium extrusions, Hydro and WEVC plan to explore closed-loop recycling during manufacturing and end-of-vehicle life recycling. This commitment to sustainability aligns with WEVC's philosophy of repair, re-use, and recycle, which requires changes in product design, manufacturing processes, and business practices.

Hydro will supply WEVC from its facility in Tibshelf, Derbyshire, where they recycle aluminium and cast low-carbon extrusion billets. The recycled, low-carbon aluminium used in the eCV1 contains a minimum of 35% post-consumer aluminium scrap and has a carbon footprint of 4kg CO2 per kg aluminium, significantly lower than the world average of 16.7kg. This reduction is attributed, in part, to the use of renewable energy in the production process.

Paul Warton, executive vice president of Hydro Extrusions, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "In addition to the functional aspects of the extrusions we will deliver to WEVC, the parts will reduce the embedded carbon footprint of the vehicle significantly thanks to the recycled, low-carbon aluminium we can deliver."

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, also emphasized the importance of the collaboration with Hydro, highlighting the delivery of high-quality, environmentally friendly aluminium products. He stated, "Forming a development partnership with Hydro allows us to together make sure the new alloys have all the right strength and durability attributes and the lowest possible manufacturing emissions while considering the entire supply chain."

This partnership between Hydro Extrusions and WEVC represents a step forward in the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing and reduced carbon emissions in the automotive industry. By prioritizing recycled, low-carbon aluminium and exploring closed-loop recycling, the companies are working towards a greener future.