Electric Vehicles for All –or Are All the Eggs in One Basket?
“…the development and commercialization of the electric car is “not a sprint, but a marathon…” Volkswagen AG Chairman of the Board of Management Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn
In a recent presentation Volkswagen AG outlined its approach to electric vehicles. Winterkorn identified four “megatrends” influencing electric mobility: growth in global population and traffic; collapse of traffic in big cities; necessary reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gases; and, deceasing and more expensive oil.
Car manufacturers note consumers are becoming more concerned about fuel economy and emissions. This is consistent with CST’s research findings on driving behaviour. And industry is very busy lining up advanced battery and electric partnerships.
However, all this may be creating a false image of electric mobility. Winterkorn comments “…We are witnessing an electro-hype. Experts, consultants and politicians tumble over one another with forecasts. And the auto industry doesn’t hold back on announcements. The result is massively false expectations by the customer...”
Electric mobility implies a major shift in automotive technology. There are at least three major hurdles facing electric cars. First, research and development into battery technology is required. Current battery storage capacity and recharging time is not sufficient to meet driving demands. Second, the market for these cars needs to move from a niche pocket to mass consumption. Third, a recharging infrastructure that is compatible across all vehicles and areas needs to be developed.
Given these realities VW doesn’t expect too many electric vehicles on the road over the next few years. A mix of motive systems is emerging. Winterkorn sees gasoline and diesel powered cars making up the majority of vehicles. But he also anticipates overall improvement in combustion engine efficiencies. And he notes there will be increasing demand for alternative fuels including natural gas and biofuels. Population of hybrid drive and electric cars, including the possibility of hydrogen fuel cells, will increase in step with technology and infrastructure deployment.
Volkswagen is proceeding with a diverse menu of vehicles and motive drive systems. This industry model is a strategy for success in today’s global economy. Fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, and advanced technologies are a cool mix of eggs in the “next car” basket.
By Terry Zdan
In a recent presentation Volkswagen AG outlined its approach to electric vehicles. Winterkorn identified four “megatrends” influencing electric mobility: growth in global population and traffic; collapse of traffic in big cities; necessary reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gases; and, deceasing and more expensive oil.
Car manufacturers note consumers are becoming more concerned about fuel economy and emissions. This is consistent with CST’s research findings on driving behaviour. And industry is very busy lining up advanced battery and electric partnerships.
However, all this may be creating a false image of electric mobility. Winterkorn comments “…We are witnessing an electro-hype. Experts, consultants and politicians tumble over one another with forecasts. And the auto industry doesn’t hold back on announcements. The result is massively false expectations by the customer...”
Electric mobility implies a major shift in automotive technology. There are at least three major hurdles facing electric cars. First, research and development into battery technology is required. Current battery storage capacity and recharging time is not sufficient to meet driving demands. Second, the market for these cars needs to move from a niche pocket to mass consumption. Third, a recharging infrastructure that is compatible across all vehicles and areas needs to be developed.
Given these realities VW doesn’t expect too many electric vehicles on the road over the next few years. A mix of motive systems is emerging. Winterkorn sees gasoline and diesel powered cars making up the majority of vehicles. But he also anticipates overall improvement in combustion engine efficiencies. And he notes there will be increasing demand for alternative fuels including natural gas and biofuels. Population of hybrid drive and electric cars, including the possibility of hydrogen fuel cells, will increase in step with technology and infrastructure deployment.
Volkswagen is proceeding with a diverse menu of vehicles and motive drive systems. This industry model is a strategy for success in today’s global economy. Fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, and advanced technologies are a cool mix of eggs in the “next car” basket.
By Terry Zdan
Labels: alternative fuels, electric mobility, electric vehciles, manufacturing strategy
posted by The Centre for Sustainable Transportation at
11:05 AM
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