Copper key to electric world land speed record

A Copper Development Association product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 22, 2003

Copper is a pivotal material in new technological developments that will help make cars better, safer, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly.

Copper's excellent electrical conductivity and reliable connectivity were demonstrated when a team of British innovators unveiled their 31ft-long super-sleek electric car, in which they will attempt to set a new world land speed record.

Copper is a pivotal material in new technological developments that will help make cars better, safer, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly.

The average vehicle needs more than one mile of copper wiring for its harnesses, starters, generators and small electric motors amounting to a copper content of 14.85kg for smaller and 27.66kg for luxury cars.

The "e=motion" vehicle is using 58 packs of batteries to deliver the levels of power required to reach speeds of more than 500km/h.

Mark Newby, driver of the e=motion vehicle, explains why copper plays such an important role in the success of the vehicle: "When you need in excess of 6000rev/min, losing power is the last thing you can afford.

We know we can rely on the copper connections to deliver the power that is vital for the vehicle's success".

The copper wires and harnesses found in vehicles are safe and preferred by car manufacturers for their tear resistance and mechanical strength.

Copper's corrosion resistance guarantees signal and power transmission whenever indicators or headlamps are switched on and when power brakes and ABS (antilock brakes) are applied.

Copper applications in comfort features include power steering, electric locks and windows and seat adjustments.

Angela Vessey, Director of Copper Development Association in the UK said: "Copper is meeting the demands of the 21st century, its advantages in performance are vital for the development of new automotive technologies.

For example, the new 42V electrical system, hybrid and electric vehicles, and power train technologies - that allow for better fuel economy and fewer emissions - are some prospective new technologies in which copper will play a major role.

General Motors indicated recently that they expect the copper usage to increase by between 1 and 2kg per unit as a result of new communications and navigation systems.

A considerable growth of between 30-60% is expected for copper usage in hybrid vehicles".

"Not only will copper be involved in environmentally friendly propulsion systems of the future, but already today copper is increasingly recycled from end-of-life vehicles, limiting negative waste into the environment.

Copper has one of the highest recycling rates among engineering metals in the world and nearly 45% of all copper used in the European Union today is from recycled resources".

Keith Bendall, Technical Sales Manager for Advanced Metals International, Watford who donated the copper for the "e=motion" vehicle said: "The physical, chemical and mechanical qualities of copper provide for high electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance and excellent processing performance".

The attempt on the world land speed record will be made in September at the Chott el Jerid salt flats in Southern Tunisia.