Reinforced polymers in the automotive industry: lightweight materials, energy efficiency and emission reduction

Introduction: The study reviews how the use of reinforced polymers contributes to innovation in the automotive industry by decreasing weight, increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Methods: The research was conducted with a qualitative approach, through a literature search in different sources. The data collected was analyzed using the information triangulation method, coding and categorizing it. Results: The results showed that the use of reinforced polymers, such as GFRP and CFRP, has transformed the automotive industry by offering lighter and stronger materials than traditional ones. These innovations enable a vehicle weight reduction of up to 60%, optimizing energy efficiency and contributing to sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions by up to 75%. Despite their benefits, they face challenges such as high production costs, recycling limitations and sensitivity to extreme conditions. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of reinforced polymers in the automotive industry, highlighting their role in reducing vehicle weight, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions. It also analyzes recent advances in design and manufacturing, as well as challenges associated with their cost, durability and recyclability, proposing paths towards sustainability in the sector.