Background

There is a huge transition taking place in the automotive industry that will require decades to complete. It is, of course, the electrification of the automobile. This transition is taking the form of two large changes. First, to the propulsion system from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to battery electric vehicles (BEVs or just EVs). Secondly, to the technology of driving the vehicles which includes both connected and autonomous warnings and controls.

If you doubt this is happening, just check the headlines. There is plenty of evidence that this transition has begun and is gaining momentum, such as: 

• Extensive research in the area of battery technology to improve energy density, manufacturing techniques, weight, and cost.
• California, a long-time leader in gas-mileage and emissions standards, announced a ban on ICE vehicle sales by 2035. Other states are considering their own similar, or even more stringent, declarations.
• Almost all existing car manufacturers around the world are promising more electrified vehicles in the coming years. In the next 5 years, we could see 30-50 or more new EV models from several international manufacturers.
• Additionally, and even more astonishing, many of the existing car manufacturers are vowing to phase out all ICE vehicle production in the next 10-15 years.
• Numerous new company start-ups are designing and beginning to build vehicles with exclusive EV offerings. Of course, Tesla is the most well-known, however there are several others such as Lucid, Rivian, Polestar, BYD, Nio, Fisker, Canoo, and others. Likely not all will survive, but those that do will produce excellent vehicles of all types in all price ranges.

For the companies embracing this transition, it means big changes in the way they manufacture vehicles, develop new battery and vehicle management technologies, establish requirements for in-vehicle computer systems and software development, systems integration, driver information display approaches, and how they will market and sell EVs (and the implication to the existing dealer networks, and what the requirements will be in the way of new networks for the start-up companies).

The next couple of decades will be the most exciting time in new car development and offerings since the advent of the automobile in the early 1900’s. The consumer will see significant benefits (and initially some challenges) to owning an EV. 

Currently, the biggest challenge for the consumer is ensuring that they are fully educated regarding the capabilities and shortcomings of EVs, so they can make the best purchase decision possible to meet their future driving needs. EV-LEARN was established to provide the most independent, comprehensive, and accurate information about every aspect of this transition to assist the consumer with their future car buying choices and ramifications.