Transport

Copper in Transport

Copper is used extensively in automobiles and trucks, primarily in electrical components, followed by heat transfer devices such as radiators and oil coolers, and bronze sleeve bearings. In addition, countless fittings, fasteners, and screws are made from brass.

Automobiles and trucks

The incorporation of electronics and electrically powered accessories has raised the length of copper wiring in a family car to about a kilometre, from an average of around 45 metres fifty years ago.
The trend towards 'smart' vehicles has also significantly increased copper consumption (approx. 40%) for devices such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS), anti-theft alarms, navigation computers etc.
View ECI's recommendations regarding the lack of suitability of bismuth as a component in copper alloys.

Other forms of transport

A modern railway is a copper-intensive system. High-speed trains, for instance, employ 10 tonnes of copper per kilometre of track. The most powerful locomotives incorporate more than 8 tonnes of copper, while the metal may represent about 2% of the weight of an airliner, including more than 190km of wiring.
The increase of the equivalent conductor cross-section in railway tracks saves energy and increases the reliability of existing railway infrastructures.
Copper alloys, such as manganese bronze or nickel aluminium bronze, are used for producing boat propellers. Industrial marine applications rely on copper nickels and aluminium bronzes for the manufacture of pipes, fittings and pump and valve components
To learn more on optimal reduction of energy losses in catenary wires for DC railway systems, please download a report published by ECI in July 2000 - pdf file (1,005MB)

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Electric and hybrid electric vehicles have reached a new level of development. Although the commercial market is still in its infancy, leading car manufacturers have invested significant effort and capital in developing and testing such vehicles. Because an electric motor is used as the primary propulsion source, these vehicles will have a much higher copper content than a conventional vehicle, which contains about 25 kilos of copper and copper alloys.