Developing a Full Life Cycle Impact Framework for Sustainable Automotive Vehicles

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a pivotal transition towards electrification and lightweighting, driven by the imperative to reduce carbon emissions, meet regulatory mandates, and achieve sustainability targets. However, this paradigm shift brings forth a set of complex challenges concerning the holistic assessment of environmental, societal, and economic impacts associated with the required advanced materials and manufacturing processes. This research proposal endeavours to conceptualise and construct a comprehensive Full Life Cycle Impact Framework that adeptly addresses these multidimensional challenges and proactively supports the transformative journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible automotive sector.
What are the environmental, societal, and economic impacts of advanced automotive materials and technologies (e.g., carbon composites, rare earths) in next-gen automotive manufacturing?

How can data on critical materials and manufacturing processes be synthesized for comprehensive life cycle impact assessment?
What strategies ensure ethical material sourcing and circular economy integration, minimizing adverse impacts?
How can impact assessment insights be integrated into a decision support system guiding sustainable automotive design and production?