How are Automotive Carbon Wheels Better Than the Conventional Wheels?

With the present fuel price hikes in several countries and people’s inability to afford such sky-rocketing costs, many automotive industries are focusing on improving fuel efficiency and reducing the weight of the automobile. Manufacturers are putting great efforts into selecting materials for building a vehicle that can provide robust responses to the energy-saving challenge. As per engineers, carbon fibers are extraordinary materials that have a wide array of applications in numerous industries, including the automotive sector. Many studies and experiments suggest that automotive carbon wheels are a better alternative than the traditional steel or aluminum wheels and can provide the same durability, better sturdiness, and makes the entire vehicle lighter in weight.

Carbon fiber was produced by Roger Bacon in 1958 and was first used in the aero application wherein the engine’s fans were made of carbon fibers. Later, they were used in the wheel frames of bicycles due to their lightweight structure and rigidity. Besides, they were utilized in Formula1 racing cars for improved vehicle safety. According to market analysts, the global automotive carbon wheels market is predicted to generate a revenue of $1,481.5 million and grow at a 9.9% CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast timeframe.

Some Key Advantages of Automotive Carbon Wheels

Since 1958 after their invention, carbon fiber wheels have only gotten better with facing challenges like teething problems, poor braking performances, etc. Here are some advantages of using automotive carbon wheels:

1. Stiffer than aluminum wheels
2. Lightweight
3. Better aerodynamics
4. Offers improved traction and driver control
5. Minimizes road noise and vibration

Do They Have Any Downsides?

Besides the great qualities of automotive carbon fiber wheels, there are some snags that one should consider before upgrading. Some disadvantages of carbon wheels are as follows:

1. Braking qualities get compromised during the rains
2. Wheel rim might lose its shape or even blowout when the inner tire is put under high pressure
3. Exorbitant prices of carbon wheels

How are Market Players Bolstering the Growth of Carbon Wheels?

Over the years, carbon wheels have proven to be the optimal solution for vibration, noise, and harshness, all of which are highly rated features in the case of EVs. Moreover, leading manufacturers are also integrating advanced technology to reduce the overall CO2 emissions and add more value to the growth rate of automotive carbon wheels. Besides, some significant market players are actively participating in strategic acquisitions, partnerships, or collaborations to further propel the adoption of carbon wheels in the automotive industry.

For instance, in May 2022, Ford Motor Company, an American multinational automobile manufacturer, launched its brand-new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with carbon-fiber wheels, track tires, and aerodynamic aids. The Mustang also comes with a Recaro seat, a larger rear wing, and a carbon-fiber interior rim.  

Moreover, Carbon Revolution, a global technology company and carbon fiber wheels producer, recently announced its strategic collaboration with Henkel, a German multinational company that’s renowned in both industrial and consumer sectors, to speed up the OEM automotive carbon fiber wheels development. Similarly, the ESE Carbon Company, the maker of the first and only one-piece carbon fiber wheel, has announced its partnership with Ruhl Strategic Partners, to ramp up its footprint of high-performance carbon fiber wheels and take the driving experience to a new level.

Carbon Wheels and Their Revolutionary Contribution to the Automotive Sector

Carbon wheels can change the dynamics of the automotive sector due to their structural benefits like enhanced suspension, higher stability, and greater control and can set the benchmark in commercial, passenger, and luxury vehicles. Many automobile manufacturers are striving to bring the carbon revolution in the industry with next-gen engineering to deliver products with not just enhanced performance but better looks. 

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.