Automobile CAFE standards are in the news. Again. And there’s no shortage of commentary (especially on social media) about what these standards do and don’t do.
In case you’re not familiar, CAFE standards are fuel-economy requirements set by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) based on federal law.
America’s Plastic Makers typically don’t get involved in the debate over CAFE standards. But we do often post about autos on our social media, highlighting how plastics and composites improve safety, fuel efficiency and performance in today’s cars.
- Plastics actually make up 50% by volume of our cars and light trucks… but only 10% by weight due to plastics’ terrific strength-to-weight ratio.
- And those strong yet lightweight plastics are integral to helping automakers meet CAFE standards.
- And those plastics support jobs and manufacturing in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and many other states.
- Plus, U.S. automakers need a robust, reliable supply of plastics to make cars in America.
Setting the Record Straight on CAFE Standards and Safety
One of the things we often notice in online discussions about cars is the significant number of people who cling to the idea that older, steel-heavy cars were safer than today’s cars. We’ve all heard: “They don’t make them like they used to!” (Our own Gina Oliver wrote a blog about this.) This idea continues to circulate widely, probably based on outdated assumptions, not modern vehicle engineering.
In reality, we all should be thankful that automakers continue to make huge strides in auto safety, fuel efficiency and performance… and don’t make them like they used to.
Have you ever seen crash test videos that compare old steel-heavy cars to newer models? (Just do a web search, it’s fascinating.) In the old cars, the crash dummy gets pummeled because the steel transfers the crash energy to the occupant. In the new cars, plastic components absorb lots of crash energy to help protect the occupant. New cars are designed to take more of the beating from the crash instead of the occupant. Plus, plastic seat belts and air bags provide further protection.
I bring this up because we see lots of commentary online about how CAFE standards have led to lighter cars that are less safe. Uh, no. Cars today are safer than ever. And many of those safety advances are enabled by plastics.
Plastics Make Cars Safer
I mentioned seat belts and airbags, but that’s just the beginning of the many safety advances enabled by plastics:
- Energy absorbing bumpers.
- Crumple zones that help protect pedestrians and occupants.
- Safety glass (plastic film sandwiched by glass) that helps prevent shattering and protects occupants in a crash.
- Brake pads and linings.
- Fuel tanks (reduced fire risk).
- Housings, wiring and cables that prevent overheating.
- Foam dash boards, door panels and pillars.
- Backup cameras.
- Sensors for lane changing, blind-spot, antilock brakes, rain, tire pressure, parking assistance, adaptive cruise control and more that use RADAR, LIDAR and other acronyms.
- Even windshield wipers! (Synthetic rubber or silicone = plastics.)
Plus, more and more auto components are being made with composites like carbon fiber-reinforced plastics that absorb multiple times the “crush” energy of steel (crush energy = the portion of crash energy absorbed by materials). That’s not a plastic makers’ claim. That’s NHTSA.
So, I ask: Do we really want automakers to make them like they used to?
Safety, Fuel Efficiency and Performance
We’ve made the case repeatedly about how plastic components in modern cars contribute to safety, fuel efficiency and performance.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Let an automaker make the case:
“Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle’s capabilities – acceleration, handling, braking, safety, efficiency – can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.” –Ford Motor Company
Case closed. I will say, back in the day I really loved the look of many last century cars with their oversized fenders and aggressive stance. And I probably looked pretty cool cruising down the Jersey shore in my 90’s muscle car with a full head of hair blowing in the ocean breeze.
But I’m not putting my kids in that car.
