17th Aug 2023
The automotive industry is in the midst of a monumental transition, transitioning from vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). This shift towards EVs is driven by multiple factors, including the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, as well as advancements in battery technology and government incentives.
Investors looking to capitalize on this moment in history can benefit from exploring the strategies of major automakers navigating this transition and the challenges and opportunities posed by the move to electric vehicles.
Historical perspectives and significant milestones in the EV revolution
The journey of electric vehicles traces back to the late 19th century, specifically the 1890s, when the first practical EVs emerged. These innovative machines even held the land speed record until about 1900. Despite this promising start, the high costs, limited top speeds, and relatively short ranges of early EVs led to a decline in interest.
The dawn of the 21st century brought about a renewed interest in EVs, driven by mounting concerns over the environmental and health implications of hydrocarbon-based vehicles, coupled with remarkable advancements in EV technology. Notably, by the end of 2020, cumulative sales of light-duty plug-in electric cars had surpassed a milestone of 10 million units worldwide 1.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the development of more efficient batteries, increased government incentives and regulations, and a growing awareness of the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment. Additionally, advancements in charging infrastructure have made EVs more convenient and accessible for everyday use 2.
With prominent automakers committing to phasing out gas-powered vehicles in the coming years, it’s clear that the future of transportation is electric. As EV technology continues to improve and costs decrease, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption of these clean and sustainable vehicles 3.
Traditional car manufacturers are shifting to electric production
A number of traditional automotive manufacturers have taken substantial strides in the direction of electric vehicles, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
Ford: The corporation has unveiled plans to establish its own EV battery cell production in the U.S. by 2025. Anticipating a surge in demand, Ford projects an increase in EV sales of 25–30% by the decade’s end and a rise of 50% by 2035. The company has also set a bold goal of ensuring all cars sold in Europe are electric by 2030 4.
General Motors (GM): GM has expressed its intent to be fully electric by 2035 and achieve “carbon neutrality” by 2040. The car manufacturer has unveiled a hefty investment plan of $27 billion, intending to introduce over 30 EV models globally by 2025. With a target of 1 million EV sales worldwide by the mid-2020s, GM hopes to boost this number to 5 million by 2030 4.
Volkswagen: The company forecasts that by 2030, EVs will account for 70% of its sales in Europe and at least 50% in China and the United States. Reporting 143,000 electrified vehicles globally in 2019, this figure dramatically tripled to 422,000 by the end of 2020 4.
As EV technology continues to improve, we can expect to see even more innovative designs and features that will make electric cars an increasingly attractive option for drivers worldwide. With this momentum behind them, it’s clear that electric vehicles are here to stay and will play a significant role in shaping the future of transportation.
Challenges and opportunities in the transition to electric
This momentous shift to electric vehicles carries both challenges and opportunities. Hurdles include enhancing the charging infrastructure, augmenting battery technology, and capacity, and addressing the high initial costs of EVs.
Conversely, the transition to electric vehicles presents significant opportunities, such as drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, diminished dependence on fossil fuels, and the emergence of new employment opportunities in EV manufacturing and infrastructure development 3.
In addition, the shift to electric vehicles also brings about advancements in technology, including improved energy efficiency and performance. This transition could revolutionize the transportation industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Governments and businesses alike are recognizing the importance of this shift and are investing heavily in research and development to overcome the challenges associated with EV adoption 5.
Envisioning the future of the auto industry in an electrified world
The automotive industry is unarguably cruising towards an electrified future. Traditional car manufacturers are heavily investing in electric vehicle production and related technologies, demonstrating a definite shift from gas to electric power.
Investors looking to capitalize on this shift should keep an eye on the companies leading the charge in electric vehicle production and those developing new technologies to support this transition. There is no shortage of innovation in this space, from battery advancements to charging infrastructure. Additionally, government incentives and regulations aimed at promoting the adoption of electric vehicles are likely to play a significant role in shaping the EV industry’s future 5.
Overall, the shift towards electric vehicles represents a critical turning point for the automotive industry. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of investing in electric vehicles are too great to ignore. As we move towards a more sustainable future, investors and industry leaders alike have an opportunity to shape this transformation and drive meaningful change for generations to come.
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_electric_vehicle
2 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/22/11656
3 https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-12/charging-into-the-future-the-transition-to-electric-vehicles.htm
4 https://investorplace.com/2021/05/3-legacy-automakers-shifting-to-electric-vehicles/
