WMG, University of Warwick has released a new insight report, funded by the UK Council for Automotive Academic Research (UKCAAR). The report, Effect of Energy Efficiencies on Embodied Emissions, highlights the critical role energy efficiency during manufacturing can play in reducing the embodied carbon footprint of vehicles while supporting industrial competitiveness and energy security.
The report examines how energy consumption throughout the production of key automotive materials and components contributes to vehicle embodied emissions and explores how targeted energy efficiency improvements can reduce both emissions and costs.
With industry accounting for a significant share of global energy use, the findings reinforce the importance of improving manufacturing efficiency as part of the transition to net zero.
The report is designed to help decision-makers across the automotive value chain prioritise actions that deliver meaningful reductions in embodied carbon while enhancing operational performance and resilience.
As the sector continues to navigate decarbonisation challenges, the research provides valuable insight into how energy efficiency can support a more sustainable, competitive and secure automotive industry.
This report was funded by UKCAAR as part of the UK Government’s £4 billion DRIVE35 programme, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK
Register your interest in the UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint Dissemination Day on 28 July 2026, where the results, conclusions and recommendations from this paper, as well as from another insight report and four Feasibility Sprint projects, will be presented.
