Governments worldwide are seeking to address climate change and air quality issues by attempting to dictate the speed of clean vehicle technology adoption, often with the restriction or banning of conventional powertrain technology making mainstream news. As a result, automakers are reviewing their propulsion strategies, and promising ever more electrified vehicles across their product ranges. Should the model announcements of some of the mainstream automakers alone come to market, by 2025, over 130 new electrified vehicles will be on the market.
EV proponents would point to the range of EVs already available, but consumers remain uncertain when it comes to alternative powertrain technology. Sales of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) remain low, and far short of earlier government and automaker targets. EV consideration is further dampened by threats to reduce or remove subsidies, the key – at present – to the EV business case.
This report considers some of the challenges and opportunities that face stakeholders on the path to the electric car, with insight from automakers, suppliers and other companies with an interest in the wider EV ecosystem.
In this report:
- Executive summary
- Consumer concern still hampers electric vehicle uptake
- Flexible assets: the sales power of vehicle-to-grid systems
- Versatility makes PHEVs an attractive offering for the foreseeable future
- More than just electric vehicles: EVs create ecosystem of innovation
- Could a ‘Netflix for EVs’ encourage drivers into plug-in cars?
- Up for grabs: the potentially lucrative business of EV charging
- Electric revolution offers China global leadership opportunity
- Solid-state technology promises step change for EV batteries
- High voltage fleets create new challenges for emergencies and repairs
- Holistic life cycle analysis crucial for the future of electrification
Special report: The path to the electric car’ features an overview article by Guillaume Saint, Global Automotive Lead in Kantar’s Insights Division, as well as perspectives from experts at a range of leading automotive industry stakeholder companies, including:
- Nissan Europe
- PSA Group
- Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA)
- Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
- Lux Research
- Mercury
- nPower
- Ricardo Strategic Consulting
- SPIE
- Solid State
- Thatcham Research
