Driven by global energy transition and the "dual-carbon" goal, the commercial vehicle industry is undergoing a lightweighting transformation. Reducing vehicle weight through the application of new materials and advanced technologies has become a key path to improve fuel economy, increase payload, and reduce emissions.

Currently, lightweighting in commercial vehicles has reached a stage of multi-material application, structural optimization, and process innovation. In terms of materials, high-strength steel remains the mainstay; through microstructural control allow it to bear the same load with thinner cross-sections in key parts of the frame and chassis. Aluminum alloys, with their excellent specific gravity and corrosion resistance, are rapidly gaining popularity in components such as wheel hubs, fuel tanks, and gearbox housings, enabling weight reductions of up to 30% in trailers, tank trucks, and other superstructures. Furthermore, magnesium alloys, engineering plastics, and carbon fiber composites are beginning to be applied to areas with urgent weight reduction needs, such as seat frames and engine hoods. Although these are more expensive, they provide direction for high-end technology.

From a technical perspective, structural topology optimization and integrated manufacturing are the two pillars. Leveraging CAE simulation, designers can eliminate redundant materials while ensuring strength and stiffness, ensuring that "every gram of material is used effectively." Advanced processes such as laser welding, hydroforming, and aluminum alloy extrusion make it possible to replace the splicing of multiple parts with complex integrated components, reducing weight and improving structural integrity.

Looking ahead, lightweighting of commercial vehicles will exhibit three major trends:

First, a deep integration of materials and intelligent design. A single material is insufficient to meet the needs of the entire vehicle; future vehicle bodies will be a "hybrid" of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composite materials.

Second, a focus on life-cycle costs and environmental impact. Lightweighting cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of the usage stage; the future will place greater emphasis on the energy consumption and recyclability of material production.

Finally, collaborative innovation across the entire industry chain is crucial. Lightweighting involves the entire chain from material suppliers and component manufacturers to OEMs. Building joint R&D platforms, establishing unified standards, and optimizing supply chain costs will be the cornerstones for the large-scale application of new technologies.