SUVs are driving the automotive sector's copper demand

Copper used in lightweight vehicle electrics is projected to grow by more than 1.7Mt p.a. in the next 10 years.

Electric vehicles will increase the copper used in the wire harness of light-duty cars by 36%, through 2032, in research commissioned by the International Copper Association, US.

The continued popularity of SUVs is deemed to drive the majority of copper demand, averaging 1.1mln tonnes per year between 2022 and 2032.

Conducted by market research firm Martec Group, US, the report found some original equipment manufacturers and suppliers are testing aluminium instead of copper in the wire harness, but that substitution will remain minimal.

Trends towards fuel economy, weight reduction and minaturisation are thought to push copper demand over aliminium.