Collaboration for EV R&D

Issue #269

The electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is too vast for one company to operate on its own. Collaboration is key to leverage each other's strengths and work as a team. Volvo and Daimler Truck for example confirmed a new joint venture that will develop a software-based manufacturing platform to build digitized heavy-duty vehicles. PHEVs (plug-in hybrid EVs) can be plugged in and recharged on both home and public charging points, and can today offer impressive range. The charging network is still crucial. The Indian government is working on a dedicated consortium type programme to fund research and  development of subsystems required for EVs. The focus for parts like an EV front grill is shifting to sleek, clean lines, larger digital displays, and seamless integrations that make the vehicle feel more like a gadget than a machine. The Biden administration's efforts to lay the groundwork for an EV supply chain that doesn't rely on China have raised hopes around the first new American lithium mine in six decades. Affordability of cars seems to be a challenge for Maruti Suzuki, but its subscription-based plan ‘Subscribe’ surged past 10,000 subscriptions in March this year. With booming awareness about vehicle safety in India through the new car safety assessment program, BNCAP, it has now become a key factor, stated Grant Thornton in its report. Below are some updates on collaboration happening in the EV and automotive world.

Volvo-Daimler JV for software platform

Volvo and Daimler Truck confirmed they are moving ahead with a new joint venture that will develop a software-based manufacturing platform to build digitized heavy-duty vehicles. The announcement follows proposals outlined earlier this year and will see the two truck makers form a jointly-owned company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Both companies will use the platform to produce their own software-led trucks and buses, and the venture will also offer the service to other manufacturers. - WSJ

Consortium approach for EV R&D

The Indian government is working on a dedicated programme to fund research and  development of subsystems required for EVs. The programme will be jointly managed by the ministry of electronics and information technology and the ministry of heavy industries. "This joint call for proposal seeks to encourage a consortium approach for developing technologies. Focus is on supporting practical application of R&D in the EV value chain," Hanif Qureshi, additional secretary, ministry of heavy industries said. - ET Auto

Plug-in hybrids for range

Despite the rising number of electric and hubrid cars on our streets, there are still those among us who have concerns about the driving range and the accessibility of charging points. It’s worth considering a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). These have rechargeable batteries and petrol-fuelled engines – very few run on diesel. They can be plugged in and recharged on both home and public charging points, and can today offer impressive pure electric range. The charging network is still crucial. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), on the other hand, rely on the car’s motion to generate electricity, with the battery power kicking in to reduce petrol consumption and emissions. They can’t be recharged by plugging in. The latest plug-in models demonstrate how far the technology has come, with impressive range and battery capacity, alongside rapid charging capabilities. - The Guardian

From aesthetics to performance

There was a time when a car's grille was an iconic design element. But with the rise of EVs, that distinctive grille design is becoming less of a focal point. EVs don't require large grilles for cooling the engine, allowing designers to move away from traditional aesthetics. Today’s EVs often lean toward a minimalistic, streamlined look, reflecting their tech-forward identity. The focus is shifting to sleek, clean lines, larger digital displays, and seamless integrations that make the vehicle feel more like a gadget than a machine. - ET Auto

Lithium mining and nature in Nevada

The Biden administration's efforts to lay the groundwork for an EV supply chain that doesn't rely on China have raised hopes around the first new American lithium mine in six decades. Under a project approved recently, Australia-based Ioneer plans to mine both lithium and boron at Rhyolite Ridge in the state of Nevada, in what CEO Bernard Rowe called the world's first simultaneous large-scale production of the two minerals. It prompted a legal threat from environmentalists worried about the fate of an endangered wildflower. - Nikkei Asia

Car affordability and subscription-based business

“Affordability of cars is a concern," Maruti Suzuki India Limited chairman RC Bhargava said recently when asked why car sales have slowed down this year after witnessing bumper numbers over the past two years. At the same time, Maruti Suzuki’s subscription-based car-buying plan ‘Subscribe’ surged past 10,000 subscriptions in March this year, a milestone achieved in four years. This car ownership program by Maruti has added 5,000 new customers in 2024, showing a significant 44% growth over FY2022-23.

Vehicle safety overtakes features in India

With booming awareness about vehicle safety through the new car safety assessment program, BNCAP, it has now become a key factor, stated Grant Thornton in its report. 32% of its study participants look for advanced safety as the primary factor, surpassing other elements such as features/designs, performance, and price when purchasing a car. As per the report, 40% of potential customers would like to purchase hybrids, surpassing petrol (34%), EVs (17%), and diesel (8%) in the last two years. - ET Auto

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