We\u2019re at the beginning of a third wave, and arguably the most disruptive, of vehicle electrification, which is emerging to include electric vehicles with a 200+ mile range at a reasonable price tag \u2015 and the start of the mass adoption of electric vehicles.<\/P><\/p>\n
The electric car: it\u2019s not dead <\/H3>
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Momentum behind electric cars is growing, and future growth is optimistic as electric vehicle sales increase with renewed interest. Newer electric vehicles such as GM\u2019s Chevy Bolt and Tesla\u2019s Model 3, Model S have increased in popularity in spite of heftier price tags<\/A> than most consumers are used to seeing. These figures are comparatively low to the 17 million total cars sold in 2017, but they\u2019re significant: there\u2019s increased interest and purchasing power.<\/P> It\u2019s estimated that by 2020, the amount of electric cars in stock could reach anywhere between 9 million to 20 million<\/A> globally. And according to a report by the International Energy Agency<\/A>, that number could jump to 40 million or 70 million by 2025.<\/P><\/p>\n Following multiple attempts to become mainstream in the market, the market \u2013 and the automotive industry \u2013 are finally ready for electric vehicles.<\/P><\/p>\n What technological progress has been made in the last decade to turn the tide in the automotive industry? Here are some of the biggest advances and changes leading consumers to be more open to purchasing an electric vehicle.<\/P> In the past decade, lithium ion cell technology has seen significant developments in energy and power density at a much lower cost. This has led some automakers to offer electric vehicles with a 200+ mile range compared to 100+ miles just 10 years ago, while staying at the same price point.<\/P><\/p>\n Significant advances still need to be achieved in increasing energy density of lithium ion cells and lowering battery pack cost without negatively impacting its life or safety. One other big challenge is battery performance in hot and cold environments, where batteries can suffer up to a 50 percent decrease in performance.<\/P><\/p>\n While battery manufacturers and automakers work on improving electric range, \u201canxiety\u201d and \u201cuncertainty\u201d (in different weather conditions) in coming years could potentially be reduced with fast-charging capabilities and widespread fast charging networks. Companies such as Tesla<\/A> and EVgo<\/A> are already creating fast charging infrastructures across North America.<\/P><\/p>\n Electric powertrain operation and management.<\/STRONG> Significant advancements have been made in improving electric motor and power electronics architecture and materials in the past decade. More robust controls and battery state monitoring algorithms have ensured electric powertrain operation without risking safety or durability.<\/P><\/p>\n Automakers are increasingly focusing on system level engineering to find and exploit trade-offs between battery and motor design, as well as to execute robust powertrain thermal management strategies. These advances have enabled automakers to deliver electric vehicles with better powertrain life, higher energy efficiency and more safety.<\/P><\/p>\n Increased investments for electric vehicle production.<\/STRONG> In the past decade, many automakers have invested heavily in vehicle electrification. GM and Nissan have been leading the charge, but it was Tesla, a company that didn\u2019t exist 15 years ago, that has caught consumers\u2019 imagination and emerged as a dominant player in electric vehicle industry. Tesla\u2019s Model S has been the best-selling electric vehicle<\/A> in the U.S. in 2017.<\/P> The company is charging a premium for its electric vehicles, not just because of the electric powertrain, but also the first-of-its kind innovations in this type of vehicle, including over-the-air software updates, Autopilot<\/A> and fast charging. These capabilities stemmed from huge improvements in software, vehicle engineering, electrical engineering, as well as technical advances in electric powertrain development.<\/P><\/p>\n With an ever changing landscape of advancements, what\u2019s holding the majority of the populace from embracing the concept of an electric vehicle?<\/P>
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This increase isn\u2019t only limited to the United States. China is also witnessing an explosion of electric vehicle sales, with more than 605,500 vehicles<\/A> delivered in 2017.<\/P><\/p>\nTechnological advancements increasing electric vehicle sales <\/H3>
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Better battery cell development.<\/STRONG> Cell energy density improvement has greatly improved. Breakthroughs in chemistries, better cell designs, improved battery pack engineering for energy, thermal management and a reduction in material and manufacturing cost have all led to this jump in improvement.<\/P><\/p>\n
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One major reason why Tesla has become a major player is that it was the first company to create an electric car that moved the focus away from the powertrain, which was a huge implication in the buyer-decision cycle.<\/P><\/p>\nResolving concerns through innovations in electric vehicles <\/H3>
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![\"Electric](\"http:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2019\/09\/Electric-Vehicles_Electric-Vehicle-Sales-1.jpg\" "\\"Electric")
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