What’s Happening: Recent global research by ABB Robotics and Automotive Manufacturing Solutions showed that 59% of respondents believe meeting the pure EV production targets set by current legislation is impossible. The survey highlighted challenges in transitioning to electric vehicle production, such as adapting to a new battery supply chain, capital investment requirements, raw material shortages, suitable infrastructure, and grid capacity. Only 11% of the respondents believed that all regional targets for electric vehicle adoption by 2030-2040 were realistic.
Why It Matters: The research findings demonstrate the significant challenges the automotive industry faces in meeting the targets set for producing electric vehicles. The concerns expressed by the respondents about the transition to electric vehicle production suggest that manufacturers need to invest in automation to increase resilience, efficiency, and speed in meeting these targets. The research also highlights the need for resolving issues such as raw material shortages, suitable infrastructure, and grid capacity, which are critical for the success of electric vehicle production.
Key Points:
- 59% of respondents believe the shift to pure EV production is impossible within current legislative timelines.
- Challenges in adapting to a new battery supply chain, concerns over high levels of capital investment required, shortages of raw materials, suitable infrastructure, and lack of grid capacity were cited as key barriers.
- Only 11% believed that all regional targets for EV adoption by 2030-2040 were realistic.
- Automation is crucial in making production more resilient, efficient, and faster to meet the targets set for electric vehicle production.
- Lack of charging infrastructure and high vehicle prices were significant constraints to EV adoption.
- 80% of respondents predicted that sustainability in manufacturing is achievable.
Bottom Line: The research highlights the challenges faced by the automotive industry in transitioning to electric vehicle production and the need for investing in automation to achieve the set targets. The findings also underscore the need for resolving critical issues such as raw material shortages, suitable infrastructure, and grid capacity, which are essential for the success of electric vehicle production.
