Vehicle Electrification - November 2023
Read this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Automotive Engineering and Battery & Electrification Technology to learn about the latest advances in e-powertrain design, battery testing and manufacturing, fuel cells/energy storage, charging technology, and much more.
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Overview
The "Vehicle Electrification Special Report" from November 2023 explores the transformative changes in the automotive industry as it shifts towards electrification. The report highlights the critical role of advanced electrical architectures, ambitious battery production, and innovative technologies in shaping the future of electric vehicles (EVs).
Mark Wakefield, Global Co-Leader of automotive and industrial practices, emphasizes that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are facing significant technological and competitive pressures that necessitate a complete overhaul of their product development and manufacturing philosophies. He advocates for a strategic pivot that prioritizes features appealing to future customers, coupled with a faster speed-to-market and a greater willingness to take risks.
The report notes the rising dominance of Chinese OEMs in the automotive market, particularly in new-energy vehicles. Stephen Dyer, Co-Leader of the firm’s Greater China business, points out that Chinese brands are expected to outsell foreign brands in China for the first time, capturing 65% of the market by 2030. This shift is significant given that China is the largest light-vehicle market globally, with over 23 million vehicles sold in 2022. Chinese manufacturers are also noted for their quicker market introduction of new models and higher advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) content compared to their Western counterparts.
The report also discusses the burgeoning battery industry, which is projected to grow tenfold by the end of the decade, driven by the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries for electrified transportation and energy storage. The competitive landscape is characterized by fierce rivalry among start-ups, joint ventures, and established players, all striving to optimize production processes while meeting cost, quality, and sustainability targets.
A key focus of the report is the concept of "gigafactories," which have become essential to the EV ecosystem. These large-scale manufacturing facilities are crucial for meeting the growing demand for batteries and are central to the industry's future.
Additionally, the report highlights the importance of advanced electrical architectures that utilize high-performance processors and zonal controllers. These technologies are expected to enhance communication and control of electrical functions in vehicles, simplifying the overall electrical architecture while reducing costs and weight.
The report also touches on various other topics, including battery chemistries for construction EVs, the readiness of General Motors to deploy fuel cells commercially, and the role of AI in generative engineering for hybrid vehicle design. It emphasizes the need for engineers to streamline the design process for electric vehicle charging stations, addressing the challenges of thermal management in EVs.
In summary, the "Vehicle Electrification Special Report" provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future direction of the automotive industry as it embraces electrification. It underscores the importance of innovation, strategic adaptation, and competitive agility in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
