Nov 30/23
4 Ways the Auto Industry Has Gone Green in 2023
Greenhouse gas emissions come from a variety of sectors. These include energy, agriculture, forestry, transportation, and manufacturing industries.
The good news is that, collectively, we are making an impact. Below are four ways the auto industry has “gone green.”
Keep reading to learn about how these efforts help the environment and improve the types of vehicles we drive.
1. Electric Vehicle Marketing and Sales
The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) sales is the most evident way in which the automotive industry is going green. EV sales have more than tripled over the last three years. They accounted for 14 percent of all auto sales worldwide last year (2022), up from only 4 percent in 2020.
This sustainable car trend shows no signs of slowing. More than 2.3 million EVs were sold in the first quarter of 2023, showing that green vehicles are no fad but are here to stay.
2. Increased Fuel Efficiency
The second major way the auto industry continues to go green is through increases in fuel efficiency across the board. This means today’s new vehicle’s real-world carbon emissions are at a record low. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, since 1975, the average fuel economy for new vehicles has doubled.
It has increased by about 32 percent just since 2004. This has resulted in a 25 percent diminishment in emissions in the last 20 years.
3. Investment in Automotive Sustainability Research and Development
Continued funding for research and development is another way the auto industry is helping combat global warming. This includes finding ways to make EV batteries last longer while offering better performance and overall driving experience. This extends to parts manufacturers as well.
For instance, advances in plastic injection molding have helped make components stronger yet lighter. This in turn increases fuel efficiency. Such innovations play no small part in continuing to push the auto industry toward a more sustainable future.
4. Carbon Offsets
Beyond producing products that help curb emissions, the auto industry is investing in carbon offsets. These are tradable certificates or “rights” that counterbalance emissions produced during manufacturing. They help directly fund efforts to reduce emissions elsewhere.
Examples are programs to fight climate change and conservation projects. It also includes the implementation of sustainable development measures in various parts of the world.
Such programs have been vetted to ensure they accomplish their goals. They also must be able to measure the amount of emissions reductions they actualize.
Learn More About These and Other Auto Industry Trends
Now that you understand the main ways in which the auto industry has gone green, you can help further these efforts. By choosing vehicle manufacturing companies committed to sustainability, we can all do our part to protect the planet.
Mayco International is an automotive Tier 1 supplier with more than 7,000 employees working in 38 plants across the globe. Our goal is to leverage innovations in injection molding and other processes to improve all aspects of interior and exterior automotive systems. Reach out to us today to learn more.