How much more copper does a new energy vehicle use compared to a fuel-powered vehicle?

[LilahLynn]

A new energy vehicle uses 57 kilograms more copper than a fuel-powered vehicle. A new energy vehicle requires 80 kilograms of copper, whereas a fuel-powered vehicle only needs 23 kilograms, resulting in a difference of 57 kilograms. Reasons for higher copper usage in new energy vehicles: Copper is an excellent conductor and is cheaper than other conductive metals like gold or silver. Additionally, its corrosion resistance, ductility, and malleability make it an ideal material for wiring, which is why new energy vehicles use more copper. Definition of new energy vehicles: New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that utilize unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources or employ conventional vehicle fuels with new types of onboard power devices. They integrate advanced technologies in power control and driving systems, resulting in vehicles with advanced technical principles, new technologies, and innovative structures. New energy vehicles include four main types: hybrid electric vehicles, pure electric vehicles (including solar-powered vehicles), fuel cell electric vehicles, and other new energy vehicles.

[LeHannah]

From my experience in auto parts, NEVs do consume significantly more copper. In conventional fuel vehicles, copper is mainly used in wiring harnesses, totaling around 20kg. However, EVs are different - the motor coils alone require 30kg, plus another 30kg for copper foils and connectors in battery packs. The charging system adds an extra 10kg, bringing the total copper usage in NEVs to generally over 80kg. Simply put, one EV uses as much copper as three fuel-powered cars. This doesn't even account for the copper needed in charging infrastructure, and grid upgrades require astronomical amounts. Copper mining companies have recently been aggressively expanding production, directly linked to EV sales growth.

[StMila]

Paying attention to automotive material trends, copper usage is a key indicator. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles rely on engines for propulsion, with copper primarily used in generators and small motors. However, electric vehicles require pure copper wire for drive motor windings and high-conductivity copper materials for battery connectors. Last year, a BYD Han was disassembled, revealing a total copper component weight of 76 kilograms, three times more than a comparable Honda Accord parked beside it. Hybrid vehicles also show a significant increase in copper usage, especially in high-voltage wiring sections. Currently, automakers are focusing on copper recycling technologies, as this metal accounts for nearly 5% of an electric vehicle's cost.

[LaJayce]

The surge in copper consumption by new energy vehicles is quite alarming. In the era of internal combustion engine vehicles, the total copper content in a car typically did not exceed 25 kilograms, but pure electric vehicles require at least 60 kilograms. The copper connecting sheets in the battery pack start from a thickness of 0.3mm, and a 100kWh battery pack alone requires 25 kilograms of copper. The electromagnetic wires in the drive motor consume even more copper, with the copper wire in a permanent magnet synchronous motor stretching several kilometers in length. Including the charging port harnesses and controllers, it's normal for the total copper usage to quadruple compared to traditional vehicles. Recent fluctuations in raw material prices directly impact car prices, so potential electric vehicle buyers might want to keep an eye on copper futures trends.

[McAlivia]

Comparing the material lists of different vehicle models, the main differences in copper usage lie in three areas: enameled wires for motor windings, with electric vehicles consuming 15 kg more than gasoline vehicles; copper busbars and connectors in battery packs account for 20 kg (which gasoline vehicles hardly have); and high-voltage wiring harnesses add another 10 kg. A typical family sedan gasoline version uses about 23 kg of copper, while its electric counterpart generally exceeds 65 kg. Tesla's flat-wire motors actually save copper, but the doubled thickness of insulation for 800V platform cables increases the usage. These figures directly affect the vehicle's weight and are often overlooked in range calculations.

[Costa]

As a frequent freight hauler, our fleet replaced five electric logistics vehicles last year. The maintenance technicians mentioned that the biggest change was during dismantling for scrap—the copper components in pure electric vehicles weighed over three times more than those in diesel trucks. Traditional light trucks use less than 30 kg of copper, while electric light trucks alone have 40 kg of copper wiring in their motors. Particularly in the regenerative braking system, the copper coils in the energy recovery module are exceptionally robust. Nowadays, recycling plants offer high prices for scrapped electric vehicles, primarily targeting the copper materials. However, with copper prices being highly volatile, last year's scrap copper purchase prices dropped by 30%, directly impacting the residual value calculations for used vehicles.