Auto Industry to Miss Mass BEV Take-Up Before ICE Bans, say Consumers

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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10th March 2023

Most people think the automotive industry has not got a hope of meeting mass transition by consumers to BEVs in time for ICE bans of new vehicles set by various nations.

Global research commissioned by ABB Robotics and industry publication Automotive Manufacturing Solutions suggests that 59% of respondents believe the shift to pure electric vehicle production is not achievable within current legislative timelines. The respondents surveyed highlighted challenges in adapting to a new battery supply chain, concerns over high levels of capital investment required, shortages of raw materials, suitable infrastructure and lack of grid capacity.

While 28% expressed the thought that the deadlines were achievable, they also indicated there would be significant challenges, while 18% believed the present targets would never be met. Only 11% believed that all regional targets for BEV adoption by 2030-2040 were realistic.

The survey highlighted the challenges involved in adapting to a new battery supply chain, cited as a key barrier by 19% of respondents, while 16% had concerns over the high levels of capital investment required. Shortages of raw materials, suitable infrastructure and lack of grid capacity were also high on the list of issues yet to be resolved. Elsewhere, the lack of charging infrastructure was quoted as the single biggest constraint to BEV adoption by more 26% of those surveyed, while 17% highlighted high vehicle prices as the principal barrier to the technology’s growth.

Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, said: “The automotive industry is acutely aware of the stresses and strains involved in meeting the proposed regional timetables for reaching full EV production. Automation is key to making production more resilient, efficient and faster to meet these targets.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_