The average weight of new cars has surged by nearly 400 kg over the past seven years, driven by the electrification of vehicles, the growing popularity of SUVs, and the decline of lightweight small cars. This trend, highlighted by data from Autocar, presents significant challenges and opportunities for the vehicle recycling industry.
Between 2016 and 2023, the mean kerb weight of new cars increased from 1553kg to 1947kg. This weight gain is partly due to the rising number of SUVs and crossovers in the market. In 2016, SUVs and crossovers tested by Autocar weighed an average of 1722kg, whereas by 2023, this had increased to 1906kg. Additionally, the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) has contributed to the overall weight increase, with battery-electric models averaging 1991kg—around 100kg heavier than their combustion-engine counterparts.
For vehicle recyclers, the increasing weight of vehicles means more materials to process, but it also brings specific challenges. Heavier vehicles, especially those with large battery packs, require more sophisticated equipment and techniques for dismantling and recycling. The increase in electric vehicles, which contain valuable but complex materials like lithium-ion batteries, also necessitates specialised knowledge and facilities to safely and effectively recycle these components.
Moreover, the decline of lightweight small cars—previously a significant portion of the recycling stream—means that recyclers will need to adapt to handling fewer small, simple vehicles and more large, complex ones. The reduction in sub-1000kg models, with only one such vehicle (the Citroën Ami, technically a quadricycle) tested in 2023, underscores this shift.
As the average weight of vehicles continues to rise, peaking at 2087kg in early 2024, recyclers must prepare for a future where the materials and methods required to dismantle and recycle vehicles are more demanding. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for maintaining efficiency and profitability in the vehicle recycling industry.
Source www.autocar.co.uk
