Precious metals play a crucial role in improving sustainability and fuel efficiency in the automotive industry.¹ Among these, gold is widely used in automobile electronic components and cables due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for humid conditions. This article outlines the importance of gold and its various applications in the modern automotive industry.

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The Role of Gold in Vehicle Electrical Connections

The development of electronic components and electrical connections accounts for approximately 30% of the total production cost of a car.² Gold’s excellent electrical conductivity makes it a valuable material for these connections, especially in automotive circuit boards.

Gold is widely used in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of vehicles and serves as the primary material in microprocessor development and circuit board fabrication to ensure reliable operation.³

Companies like Volkswagen and Audi have developed features like anti-theft technology by using gold in the ECUs of select models. A prime example of this is BMW, which uses gold in audio amplification systems, high-voltage (HV) charging electronics for electric vehicles, and air conditioning circuit boards.⁴

Gold Applications in Automotive Sensor Technology

The gold is used to develop automotive sensors that support efficient engine operation and improve the performance of key subsystems such as fuel management, automatic braking and thermal management systems.

Gold is the primary material in the sensors that control the fuel pump system, which adjusts the amount of fuel delivered to the spark plug to ignite the air-gasoline mixture. Gold is also crucial in emission control unit sensors, helping regulate emissions in accordance with modern automotive and environmental standards.

Gold’s high conductivity effectively minimizes the emission of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs), making it well-suited for modern emission control sensors.⁵ Gold-based temperature sensors also help regulate the vehicle’s interior temperature, improving passenger comfort.

Additionally, these sensors are located in the engine temperature control unit and exhaust pipeline to monitor exhaust gas temperatures and ensure optimum engine performance.

Modern airbag sensors have a gold-plated steel ball held in place by magnets. Upon impact, the ball separates from the magnets and comes into contact with the gold-plated points that complete the circuit, allowing electric current to flow. This immediate response ensures immediate deployment of airbags, improving passenger safety.⁶ Leading manufacturers, including Honda and Chevy, are using gold-based safety sensors in their vehicles to prioritize occupant protection.

Gold as a Catalyst in Emission Reduction Systems

Automobiles burn gasoline, releasing harmful nitrogenous gases and unburned HCs. Catalytic converters are vital to comply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce harmful emissions. Gold-based catalysts have proven effective in converting toxic carbon monoxide to CO.₂and gold alloys further improve emission control efficiency. As a result, many automakers worldwide have integrated gold-based solutions to meet environmental standards.⁷

Nanostellar Inc., a US-based manufacturer, has produced gold-based systems to clean diesel emissions. In particular, it is noteworthy that NS Gold catalyst converters are widely used in diesel vehicles. But while gold is effective on its own, combining it with other precious metals such as palladium and platinum has become the preferred approach for catalytic converters. This blend improves thermal stability and addresses the limitations of traditional converters, making it a more robust solution for emission control.⁸

Aesthetic and Protective Applications of Gold in Automobiles

Gold is electroplated onto automobile surfaces to create a smooth surface that increases aesthetic appeal. Beyond appearance, this gold layer protects against corrosion that could otherwise severely damage the car’s paint and body.

Corrosion affects external surfaces and can affect the functionality of critical systems such as brakes, fuel and electronics; this is why gold is included in these key ingredients.⁹

Metallic gold colors are popular in automotive aesthetics; They gain value due to their shine and the elegant look they bring to the surface of the car. Special gold paints are especially preferred by enthusiasts; Companies like UreChem create “candy” gold paints that offer a high-gloss finish, distinguishing them from standard automotive paints.¹⁰

Recently, Rolls-Royce produced the Phantom Goldfinger, a unique model that pays homage to the 1964 James Bond movie. golden finger. This special series contains 18 carat gold under its silver exterior, giving this model a distinctive sparkle that enhances its luxurious appeal.

Rolls-Royce | Voice of the Creator: Phantom GoldfingerPlay