HOT TOPICS WITH CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH CEO 04/28/2023

On a bi-weekly basis, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) welcomes our audience to decompress with our President and CEO, Alan Amici, as he covers and shares his thoughts on the latest Hot Topics happening in the automotive industry. If you would like to receive this bi-weekly insight into critical industry issues you and your organization are facing, sign up for our mailing list here to get Hot Topics sent directly to your inbox.

Mining for Materials:

• Shift to Mined vs. Man-Made Graphite Raises Shortage Risk for EVs 
• Chile plans to nationalize its vast lithium industry 
• GM leads new funding in US-based lithium supply company for EV batteries 
• Mining M&A spree to keep Australia dealmaking humming after $37 billion in first quarter 

Alan’s thoughts:

Add graphite to the list of critical minerals, along with lithium, cobalt, and nickel, that are central to EV battery production. Meanwhile, countries are taking stock of their natural resources for economic and national security reasons. OEMs find themselves in an unusual position of having to invest in raw materials and associated processes to secure access to critical minerals. 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Industrial Assessment Centers Program

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Program – IACs at Trade Schools, Community Colleges, and Union Training Programs; and Building Training and Assessments Centers (BTAC) Program   

Alan’s thoughts:

A recent DOE initiative seeks to create Industry Assessment Centers (IAC) to support the US government’s approach to strengthening domestic manufacturing. We must not lose sight of the importance of having a trained and knowledgeable workforce to support the growing EV industry. Adding people to the equation of rebuilding the US manufacturing base is essential to remain competitive in the global marketplace.  

EV Safety Concerns:

• Are EVs too heavy for aging parking garages? 
• Ford F-150 Lightning fire footage highlights a growing EV risk 
• Used-Car Buyers Beware: Expect A Flood Of Storm-Damaged Vehicles Returning To The Roads 

Alan’s thoughts:

EVs are heavy. Some are as much as 1000kg heavier than their ICE counterparts affecting range, tire wear, crash performance and driving dynamics. Weight also impacts road surfaces and static structures such as parking garages. Perhaps the parking capacity of existing garages will be governed less by space than by weight. 

EVs present many design challenges, such as range, charge time, and cost. But one of the most critical aspects of EV design is battery safety. The industry must continue improving the robustness of battery designs to reduce the likelihood and severity of fires.