Weight gain is not just a concern for humans. Since 1980, the average weight of a new car in the United States has increased over 19% to 1,676 kg in 2023. The mix of vehicles sold is partly responsible for this, as more corpulent SUVs have taken share. Vehicle types have also evolved differently, with pickup trucks in particular ballooning from an average of around 1,500 kg in the mid-80s to 2,500 kg by 2015. Safety regulations are partly responsible for this general bloat, as airbags and more robust structures have piled on the pounds, while more power became available to haul these loads around, in part through greater engine efficiency. Ceteris paribus, more weight has a negative impact on the environment, as more energy is required to displace it, and roads are worn down more rapidly.
Source: Bloomberg, Environmental Protection Agency, November 2024