The usage of electric vehicles, or EVs, has gradually increased in recent years, indicative of a growing global trend towards sustainable transportation. In 2023, around 14 million new electric cars were registered worldwide, expanding the total electric vehicle count on roads to 40 million, consistent with forecasts in the 2023 Global EV Outlook (GEVO-2023). Electric car sales surged notably, with 3.5 million more units sold than in 2022, reflecting a 35% year-over-year increase.
The electric vehicle (EV) market has grown and changed dramatically in the last several years due to technological developments, shifting customer tastes, and environmental concerns. The global electric vehicle (EV) battery market size is expected to expand to USD 102.8 Billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 16.7%. The electric vehicle supportive programs and regulations around the globe are the major factors for the exponential growth of the global EV battery market.
Read More at: Latest Market Research Report on Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Market 2024
This blog explores the most recent developments influencing the EV market, showcasing noteworthy cases from top businesses in the vanguard of this movement. Here, we examine the most recent patterns, ground-breaking discoveries, and calculated moves that are changing the face of environmentally friendly transportation. Come along as we investigate cutting-edge technology, examine market dynamics, and unearth the crucial revelations influencing the direction of electric mobility in the future.
Using Wide Band Gap Semiconductors
Electric vehicle (EV) power systems are evolving due to consumer demands for longer driving ranges between charges and quicker charging times; nevertheless, these systems must function at higher voltages and temperatures. But it's crucial to keep the electrical system's efficiency at or above par. Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, such as gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC), are gradually replacing conventional silicon-based (Si) semiconductors to improve the efficiency of these high-voltage systems.
Because SiC-based wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors can operate at higher switching frequencies, they are currently used in inverters in 800V systems, which helps to minimize the weight and size of the system. Simultaneously, GaN-based semiconductors are starting to show promise as low-power options for DC-DC converters that control auxiliary vehicle systems. As this shift takes place, scientists are working hard to push the envelope by creating ultra-wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors. These next-generation materials are made to function at even higher temperatures and voltages, utilizing creative compositions to produce lighter and smaller components.
Including In-Car Technologies
Manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) face pressure to reduce prices while enhancing vehicle capabilities. To overcome these issues, integration—which entails combining distinct subsystems into multipurpose modules—has become a rapidly expanding trend. The following three in-car systems demonstrate how integration is either projected to play a major role in the future or is already doing so:
Enhancing the Ecosystem for EV Charging
Considerable progress has recently been made to improve the EV charging ecosystem, to provide owners of electric vehicles with greater speed, accessibility, and convenience. Important advancements include the growth of fast-charging networks by businesses like Electrify America and Tesla's Supercharger network, which are systematically positioning ultra-fast chargers in cities and along major highways to shorten charging periods and ease range anxiety. Furthermore, efforts like CharIN's CCS (Combined Charging System) and Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) are making it easier for EVs to charge at different stations independent of brand or location by promoting interoperability and standardizing charging protocols. Smart charging innovations abound as well. For example, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration enables electric vehicles (EVs) to not only charge but also release electricity back into the grid during periods of high demand, contributing to grid stability and providing financial incentives to vehicle owners. These patterns highlight the necessity for a concentrated effort to create a strong infrastructure for EV charging that satisfies changing customer demands and promotes the global adoption of electric vehicles.
The design of EVs
Contemporary car buyers, especially the younger set, favor cars with streamlined, condensed, and eye-catching looks. They look for contemporary conveniences, hygienic, roomy spaces, and an overall air of refinement that suits their tastes and way of life. Automakers are gradually moving away from traditional car designs in response to these changing consumer needs, creating new-age aesthetics that are distinguished by minimalism, elegance, and aesthetic appeal. Lightweight materials are increasingly being used in production processes, which not only reduces vehicle weight but also improves battery efficiency and range. Digital technology is being progressively incorporated by automakers into the design of their electric vehicles. This includes the introduction of modern infotainment systems, interactive displays, and connectivity features. It's not wrong to anticipate big advancements in car design that will seamlessly blend performance and utility with aesthetics to increase the allure of electric vehicles (EVs).
The reaction of the private sector to EVs
The private sector has responded well to the ongoing changes in the market, particularly in the auto industry. Many automakers have announced that they want to electrify all or most of their lineups of vehicles. Regarding corporate fleets, by 2030, EV100, a global organization with 130 members that promotes the transition to zero-emission transportation, plans to adopt electric cars (EVs) and install infrastructure for customers and staff to charge their EVs. For example, Unilever intends to build workplace EV chargers for employees and convert its fleet of nearly 11,000 vehicles to electric vehicles. Additionally, ABB plans to convert all 11,000 of its cars to electric vehicles.
However, not just EV100 members are making audacious promises. While DB Schenker wants to see emission-free transportation in European cities by 2030, DHL wants to achieve 70% clean operations in last-mile pickups and deliveries by 2025. These acts are important in and of themselves, but they also send signals to the wider market. Such public pledges put rivals and interested parties under pressure to step up their initiatives.
Researching battery swapping will persist
It is anticipated that automakers will continue to investigate battery swapping in addition to conventional charging stations. The usefulness of this technology for recharging electric vehicles is still up for dispute, but there is enough interest and funding to support its further research. For example, Stellantis and Ample recently teamed to offer fast 100% charging for EVs using Ample's modular battery-swapping technology. Battery swapping may or may not become more popular in the future as opposed to traditional plug-in charging, but its significance in the EV market is unlikely to decline very quickly.
Conclusion
The idea of expansion—more models, more affordable prices, longer range, technological breakthroughs, and a wider network of charging stations—is central to the latest EV trends. As the need to reduce carbon emissions grows, electric vehicles will inevitably become more prevalent. Understanding these patterns is essential for projecting major participants in the electric vehicle (EV) market, as cutting-edge innovations will probably set the front-runners apart from the competition.
Read More at: Latest Market Research Report on Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Market 2024