Changing priorities in EV sector

Issue #267

Electric vehicle (EV) makers continue to relook at their strategy, given the market dynamics. The push to commercialize solid-state batteries for EVs is well underway, but auto giants could be on the cusp of turning to a different kind of transformative science: semi-solid-state batteries. Battery manufacturers subject their products to strict quality control sand these quality checks are increasingly carried out by Automated Defect Recognition algorithms, which automatically inspect the desired parts of a battery cell and save time-consuming manual assessment. BMW and other European automakers are bolstering their EV lineups with small cars that can directly compete with cheaper Chinese imports.

Contrary to popular belief, labor intensity has increased at US vehicle assembly plants that have fully transitioned to battery electric vehicle assembly. Honda plants in the US are being outfitted with cutting-edge manufacturing gear that include massive megacasting presses, a matrix-style "flex-cell" manufacturing system, and robots. However, Honda maybe one more auto-maker in a growing list that might change their EV roadmap if the demand continues to fade. Used EVs sell for bargain prices now, putting owners and dealers in a bind. Below are some media reports on changing strategies in the EV industry.

The solid-state battery hype

The push to commercialize solid-state batteries for EVs is well underway, but auto giants could be on the cusp of turning to a different kind of transformative science. One major drawback with solid-state batteries is the swelling of the battery during charging and, ultimately, the degradation of the cell after extensive recharging. There could be another option, however: semi-solid-state batteries. These cells use a hybrid design of solid and liquid electrolyte — and some analysts say they could serve as a bridge between the two types of batteries. - CNBC

Smaller cars in Europe

BMW and other European automakers are bolstering their EV lineups with small cars that can directly compete with cheaper Chinese imports, with some companies even forming partnerships with Chinese competitors to try and stem the tide of flagging sales. Some join with Chinese partners to tap knowhow for quick market entry. At the recent Paris Motor Show, BMW unveiled two EVs under its compact Mini brand before any BMW-branded cars in a telling sign of its priorities in the European EV market. - Nikkei Asia

Higher labor intensity for BEVs

It has been widely suggested that the transition to battery electric vehicles will require 30% fewer assembly workers than those needed for internal combustion engine vehicles. Here, we use publicly available datasets on vehicle production and employment to show that labor intensity has increased at U.S. vehicle assembly plants that have fully transitioned to assembling battery electric vehicles. - Nature Communications

Automated quality assurance for batteries

Batteries are complex products. Small errors or deviations during production can lead to large quantities of scrap, impair the quality and service life of a battery, result in costly recalls and, in the worst case, jeopardize the health and safety of end users. Battery manufacturers therefore subject their products to strict quality control so they can intervene quickly in the event of a deviation. These quality checks are increasingly carried out by Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) algorithms, which automatically inspect the desired parts of a battery cell and save inspectors the time-consuming manual assessment. - Quality Magazine

New production technologies for EVs

Honda plants in the US are being outfitted with cutting-edge manufacturing gear for its next-gen 0 Series EVs. On tap are cutting-edge manufacturing processes that include massive megacasting presses, a matrix-style "flex-cell" manufacturing system and robots using a world-first welding technique. Some of the techniques, such as the casting and welding technologies, are specifically geared to accommodating the high-strength, ultrathin metals Honda will use. They will enable 0 Series vehicles to weigh 220 pounds less than Honda's initial EVs. The advancements will also slash overall manufacturing costs 35%. - Auto News

Change in EV strategies

Honda might change its EV roadmap if the demand continues to fade. If this happens, the Japanese automaker will add to the list of global automakers that have started to revise their EV strategies in the wake of a downward trend in their sales. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, said "There's enough room to adjust the timeline of establishing EV factories globally and change our strategy should things move in an unexpected direction." - ET Auto

Used EVs sell for bargain prices

Two years ago, some used electric-car models were selling for as much or more than new ones because of a supply-chain crisis that resulted in a broader car shortage. Used EVs sell for bargain prices now, putting owners and dealers in a bind. Electric cars have gone from pricey purchases to some of the biggest bargains on the used-car lot, as resale values for the vehicles have tumbled. The sharp drop in the value of preowned EVs stands in contrast to the broader used-car market. - WSJ

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