Why are Ferrari and BMW switching from copper to aluminium wiring in their electric vehicles?

Ferrari and BMW are switching to aluminium wiring primarily for its lighter weight—Ferrari reports up to 20% weight reduction in total wiring—and because aluminium is significantly cheaper, currently priced at about $3,100 per ton compared to copper’s ~$15,000 per ton (roughly a quarter the cost). While Ferrari states it chooses materials based on performance, not cost, the article notes aluminium’s cost advantage is substantial and that copper prices have surged due to supply shortages and rising demand from green-energy infrastructure and data centres.

What is the broader industry impact of automakers substituting aluminium for copper wiring?

The shift is forecast to affect around 2% of global copper demand this year, according to JPMorgan, with potential for further substitution as copper prices remain structurally high—currently over 4.2 times the price of aluminium. The trend extends beyond Ferrari and BMW to Tesla, Chinese EV makers, Stellantis, and suppliers like JONVER (whose aluminium wiring sales rose from 20% to 30% of total sales in 2024) and Hydro, which reports steady growth in aluminium heating-and-air tubing sales as a copper substitute; however, challenges remain, including U.S. tariffs and aluminium’s high energy intensity and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Ferrari and BMW Join Tesla, China in Switch from Copper to Cheaper Aluminium

Jun 29, 2026

Ferrari and BMW are switching to aluminium wiring to cut costs and weight, following Tesla and Chinese EV makers. This trend may replace up to 6% of global copper demand by 2030 amid rising metal prices.

reuters

2026-06-29

Ferrari and BMW Join Tesla, China in Switch from Copper to Cheaper Aluminium

Ferrari and BMW Join Tesla, China in Switch from Copper to Cheaper Aluminium

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