Technologies For Sustainability In The Automobile Industry

As technology develops and our cities grow due to overpopulation in comparison with the scarcity of natural resources, awareness of climate change and the importance of moving societies towards sustainability it’s been a common topic since decades ago.

The first attempts to raise awareness among people about the environmental problems we face started as early as the 1960s and 1970s. However, even though in 1990 international policies began to emerge as a result of events such as the Earth Summit, or the subsequent strengthening of them with the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change, we see that in the last ten years, the actions of organizations such as the UN, as well as activists and influencers have intensified thanks to the media.

Although the measures to achieve sustainable development have made significant progress, we continue to face major challenges on a daily basis. One of them is undoubtedly the impact on the automobile industry, as it causes a strong impact caused by:

• Emissions of polluting gases that cause air pollution and the Greenhouse Effect.
• Waste generation is a result of production waste and the end of the useful life of vehicles.
• Soil degradation and deforestation due to the extraction of metallic resources, as well as the construction of factories and transportation routes.
• Water pollution from industrial discharges into bodies of water and the leaching of oils or coolants from cars.

Thus, industries and technological development are taking steps to mitigate damage to the environment, either with the transition to electric or hybrid vehicles, clean technologies within internal combustion engines, and recycling of materials from the automobile industry. Let’s take a closer look at other emerging options in automobile production aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Non-contact transmission: these are systems designed for the transmission of energy or signals without the need for direct physical contact, based on electromagnetism or electromagnetic induction. It can be incorporated into bearings or motor couplings. This significantly reduces the deterioration of some pieces and prolongs the useful life of components, thus minimizing the waste generated.

One way bearing: also known as freewheel clutches, it is a technology that allows free movement of the shaft in one direction while blocking movement in the opposite direction. It is used for the operation of transmission systems and electric motors, particularly useful for vehicles running on electricity or with a hybrid propulsion system. In this way, pollutant emissions are reduced. Likewise, it is often used in machinery in general, as it considerably reduces energy consumption.

Advanced lubrication: as with the previous examples, this technology is crucial for reducing automotive emissions and the waste generated by wear and tear. Options range from synthetic, biodegradable lubricants and additives to smart lubrication and lubricants with nanotechnology designed to improve properties and reduce friction on metal surfaces, thereby extending service life.

In conclusion, the automobile industry continues to push forward with technological innovations that bring it closer to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. These developments not only seek to improve efficiency but also to transform the way we move, contributing to a cleaner planet and a greener tomorrow.

About The Author, Sarah Sidney: A seasoned freelance writer and editor with nearly 10 years of experience, this content creator specializes in producing high-quality articles on renewable energy and emerging technologies. With a strong focus on delivering engaging and well-researched content, she is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Her work encompasses a broad range of topics related to sustainability and innovative energy solutions, providing insightful analysis and up-to-date information. When not crafting compelling content, she enjoys collaborating on projects that explore new ideas and push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.