I was recently asked to join the hosts of The Takeaway in a conversation [Listen] on the ‘game-changing’ relevance of GM’s claim that its soon to be released Chevy Volt can achieve a 230 mpg efficiency in urban-suburban commuting based on driving less than 50 miles per day. (Tricky math?)
Is the Chevy Volt a ‘game changer’?
Yes, but the real story is not miles-per-gallon efficiency, rather General Motor’s ability to reduce the cost of building an electric propulsion vehicle. The big story is the beginning of the end of the combustion engine!
Focus on GM’s Manufacturing Footprint, not Eco Footprint
The real paradigm shift is the transition away from the combustion engine, which is a supply chain intensive and design-limiting platform, towards a more modular and scalable electric propulsion system based on ‘drive by wire‘, wheel based electric motors powered by a combination of batteries, fuel cells and capacitors. [Note: 'Hydrogen' fuel cell cars are electric cars, and the real cost breakthrough potential rests with fuel cells, not batteries.]
Scaling up electric propulsion systems will allow the auto industry to reduce its capital exposure of building transportation hardware (e.g new cars!), and move towards a ’service’ era of business based on mobility services delivered via integrated platforms around vehicle sensors, driving assistance software, and mobile computing devices (e.g. OnStar, collision avoidance, ’smart driver’ situation awareness apps, traffic re-routing, rideshare coordination, customized driving experiences, et al).
What does the auto industry need to do between 2010 – 2020?
- Reduce the number of factories by shifting to modular platforms by on wheel based electric motors
- Advance the integration of electrical energy systems: batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and capacitors
- Focus on design and driving experience by developing software applications that enable better mobility choices
- Shift profit streams from selling new cars to aftermarket sales and mobility services (e.g. OnStar)
Related posts on the Future of the Auto Industry from The Energy Roadmap.com
The Road to Electric Vehicles passes through ChinaWall
Street Journal confirms our Case for Electric Cars: A Lower Barrier to Manufacturing
Electric vehicle industry goes global around energy storage systems
What powers the car of tomorrow? Batteries or Hydrogen fuel cells? [Hint: Both]
Video Interview with Shai Agassi on disruptive business models for electric cars
Is Detroit asleep at the wheel?
The Good news? China is investing in electric cars, The Bad news? China is investing in electric cars
Is GM expecting China to extend its grid for electric cars?
France to spend millions on electric vehicles
Warren Buffet buys equity in China’s BYD
New hydrogen storage device lighter than lithium batteries
McKinsey believes China could lead world in electric vehicles
GM pick Korean battery maker over US startup A123 Systems
Hyundai to build fuel cell electric vehicle for 2012
US algae startups could transform China coal industry
France’s GDF invests in electric car infrastructure
Hawaii’s HEKO utility take big regulatory step for 21st Century Grid
Electric vehicle networks startup moves into Australia
Detroit to World, Nobody has killed the electric car
India’s Tata Motors will produce electric vehicle in 2009 for Europe!
A Futurist’s Guide to Cars of 2020
