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Automobile and truck manufacturers modify their transportation strategies to boost electric vehicle adoption

Growing fleet of electric vehicles on roads extends to transportation of components in assembly factories

Automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturers revise strategies to boost electric vehicle...
Automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturers revise strategies to boost electric vehicle adoption in transportation

Automobile and truck manufacturers modify their transportation strategies to boost electric vehicle adoption

The electric vehicle (EV) market has been one of the fastest growing sectors of the automotive industry over the last decade. This transformation, driven by a combination of government incentives, consumer preferences, and technological advancements, is reshaping the transportation landscape.

In the US alone, the market share of EVs and hybrids increased from 0.2% of total car sales in 2011 to 4.6% in 2021. This growth is a testament to the increasing appeal of EVs, which have the potential to solve several challenges associated with traditional vehicles driven by an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Modern EVs can have at least 100 million lines of complex code, posing risks such as script errors leading to parts failing and the potential for hacking and digital vandalism. However, manufacturers are addressing these concerns. For instance, General Motors (GM) has introduced charging stations across its EV FVL network to reduce the amount of "bricked" vehicles in transit.

Efficiency and sustainability are significant factors in the decision to adopt electric vehicles in inbound logistics operations. The rise in localized production of EVs and batteries has been instrumental in minimizing reliance on international inbound flows and lowering freight costs, thereby facilitating wider adoption of EV models.

Major car and truck makers, including Daimler, GM, and Hyundai, are committing to the adoption of electric vehicles in their delivery fleets. Volkswagen Group China has increased the amount of automation in its Chinese EV plants to boost efficiency and competitiveness.

Battery suppliers have been investing heavily in manufacturing facilities, such as CATL's new battery gigafactory, which has helped reduce battery production costs and improve supply. Governments in countries such as Germany and France have recently declared increased state support to promote the production and consumption of electric vehicles, including measures like fleet regulations and subsidies for electric and hydrogen vehicles. Germany also exhibits efforts in export growth of electric cars and policy support to accelerate decarbonization.

The US government under former president Biden introduced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to encourage domestic production and wider adoption for EVs. The UK government's zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates and changes to vehicle excise duties are examples of mechanisms targeting both OEMs and consumers to boost EV production and demand.

Long-haul transport accounts for around two-thirds of CO emissions in the transport industry. As such, the shift towards EVs could significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Inform's transport and yard management software proved key to Vinfast's first shipment of VF8 SUVs to the US from Vietnam, demonstrating the potential for EVs to streamline international transportation.

The first practical electric car was invented by William Morrison in Des Moines, Iowa in 1890. Over a century later, the EV market continues to evolve, with companies like DTNA unveiling autonomous versions of electric trucks, such as the eCascadia, currently being tested in hub-to-hub freight runs.

However, the EV and battery market has seen an increased level of uncertainty over the last year due to changing regulations, shortages of key components, and fluctuating market demand. Despite these challenges, the industry's growth trajectory remains promising, with governments and businesses alike committed to a greener, more sustainable future.

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