The North American auto industry is beginning to convert to aluminum wiring, as engineers focus on cutting costs and reducing vehicle weight. The Electrical Wiring Component Application Partnership (EWCAP), a noncompetitive industry standards organization, is overseeing the conversion process. EWCAP focuses on developing common electrical interfaces and is part of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), which provides a common voice to the supply base.
During a recent panel discussion at the 12th annual National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo in Milwaukee, automotive engineers discussed the challenges involved in transitioning from copper to aluminum.