The weight surge in new US vehicles

The average weight of new vehicles in the US has seen a substantial increase of 175 pounds over the last three years. This weight gain is particularly concerning, given the ongoing shift towards electric models.

Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable trend in the American automotive landscape – cars are getting heavier. In comparison to 1980, the current average weight is a staggering 1,000 pounds higher. This means that over the span of 40 years, more than a third of the typical American car’s weight has been added. What’s exacerbating this issue is the transition to electric vehicles.

Ned Curic, Chief Technology Officer of automaker Stellantis NV, highlighted the gravity of the situation. He expressed his concern that vehicles which used to weigh much less are now tipping the scales at three tons. Curic emphasized that this trend has far-reaching negative implications, impacting the environment, resources, and overall efficiency. At Stellantis, known for producing iconic brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler, tackling vehicle weight has become one of the foremost engineering challenges.

The origins of this weight increase can be traced back to the 1980s when new safety regulations prompted the addition of features like airbags and more robust structures. While these advancements enhanced safety, they also contributed to the growing weight of vehicles. Meanwhile, a focus on construction and stronger materials inadvertently reduced the emphasis on efficiency.

Consumer preferences have also played a role in this weight gain. The rise in demand for large SUVs and pickups in 2018 led to an uptick in vehicle weight. Although some trucks did shed weight over the past decade, the overall average continued to rise due to the shift towards larger vehicles.

Efforts to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions further compounded the issue. The push for better mileage led to the development of heavier vehicles, culminating in the advent of electric cars. Electric vehicle batteries alone can add between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds to the weight of a sedan or SUV designed for long-range travel. The upcoming wave of hefty pickup trucks, like the Chevy Silverado and Tesla Cybertruck, could potentially double these figures.

The implications of this weight gain are significant. Stellantis, for example, produces the hefty 6,000-pound Ram and is currently transitioning to electric vehicles. Unfortunately, their vehicles currently have the highest CO2 emissions and lowest fuel economy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s preliminary 2022 data.

While the move to cleaner electric vehicles is commendable, it’s worth noting that heavier vehicles pose safety concerns. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that adding 1,000 pounds to a vehicle increases the likelihood of fatalities in an accident by 47 percent. However, some European countries have even begun to address this issue by implementing weight-based vehicle taxes.

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