It should come as no surprise — after all, the introduction of vehicles powered by renewable sources is not a new idea. However, as technology advances and the popularity of e-mobility manufacturers such as Tesla reaches new heights, 2021 may be the year that consumers start to look at electric vehicles as a feasible alternative in far greater numbers.
But what does this mean for prototype casting?
Simply put, it's just the latest in a long line of exciting challenges. The automotive industry has always been important to foundries, and the thought of ever losing it is a scary one. For many manufacturers, a key challenge of new developments is to reduce weight wherever possible, and the flexibility and finesse of prototype casting make this method a crucial part of their production, particularly for pieces such as the cylinder head, block, or turbocharger. However, compared to the electric motor of today, an internal combustion engine is vastly more complex. So, will prototype casting still be necessary?
In a word, yes! The pursuit of lighter, better-performing parts won't end anytime soon, regardless of what powers the vehicle. There are other factors to consider, too. In theory, the less a car weighs, the less material it takes to build, and the fewer emissions it will produce when running. That means a high-quality foundry will still be a sought-after asset for those hoping to reduce their environmental impact.
So, while it's understandable that those in the casting industry may feel a little nervous about manufacturers turning away from traditional engines, it's far from a widespread panic. After all, change can be scary — but that doesn't mean it's bad!