Automobiles and a green planet

Issue #29, Nov 19th 2020

Automobiles collectively contribute 75 percent of carbon monoxide pollution in the U.S.A. according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This is a debatable topic, with the automobile contribution to pollution varying from country to country. But there is no doubt that green initiatives, starting with Electric Vehicles need to be taken. This week's article is about some updates in Europe which seems to be ahead in this race plus some more updates and a trend article we wrote. Electrification is not limited to four wheelers. It is spreading to bikes too. Please do read and share your feedback. Happy reading!

UK's green revolution and automobiles

Boris Johnson’s green industrial revolution proposals have been praised by some environmental groups but critics are warning that electric vehicles are too pricey and there’s little charging infrastructure. There will be a ban on sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans by 2030, 10 years ahead of the previous schedule. On 25 October next year, London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) is being expanded to include most of the capital. Anyone driving a petrol car that does not meet Euro 4 standards – typically any car sold before 2006 – will have to pay the daily £12.50 charge. - The Guardian

Counting the days for IC Engines in Europe

BMW will retool its German factories to build electric cars and components and shift manufacturing of combustion engines to plants in Austria and England as part of a broader shift toward low-emission cars.

“Germany is developing into the lead market for e-mobility!” Volkswagen AG Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess wrote in a LinkedIn post. “The federal government’s plan to electrify private transport is working,” he said, pointing to electric and plug-in cars seizing 17.5% market share.

Cummins' hydrogen plans

Cummins supplies diesel engines for boats, heavy-duty pickups, delivery vehicles, buses and semis. The company laid out a comprehensive strategy in its "Hydrogen Day" presentation, covering its production of fuel cells, stationary power systems, fuel tanks and electrolyzers to help companies make their own hydrogen. - Forbes

Connected bikes targeting the youth

Yamaha Motor, the world's third-largest motorcycle maker, is stepping up marketing to attract new customers mainly in Asia such as Indonesia and India, its biggest markets, based on connectivity via a smartphone app.

e-bike volume and profitability

SoftBank Group Corp.’s second Vision Fund is leading a $250 million investment in German e-scooter rental startup Tier Mobility. Tier will use the money to roll out to more cities in Europe and grow its network of charging stations. Tier says it’s profitable after building a fleet of about 60,000 e-scooters in 80 European cities. - Bloomberg

Auto tech trends 2021

Infosys Knowledge Institute article - The two broad trends we see in 2021 are onboard software and the driving experience. Infotainment will graduate from policy to pleasure — a competitive advantage and revenue stream to be tapped. Driver-vehicle interaction for non-driving tasks will become contactless and gesture or voice based for comfort and safety.

On the experience side, the car purchase experience will go digital and omnichannel. Car subscription will tip ownership while connectivity becomes mission critical. - EnerpriseTechSuccess