HOT TOPICS WITH CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH CEO 04/14/2023

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.

New Battery EV Models:

• EV Automakers Fight For Access To Better Batteries 
• Toyota to launch 10 new battery EV models by 2026 
• Rivian says it remains on track to build 50,000 EVs in 2023 
• Stellantis to build electric 2025 Ram 1500 Rev pickup in U.S. in 2024 

Alan’s thoughts:

Consumers will soon have more choices as OEMs bring their new BEVs to market. Stellantis recently announced their RAM 1500 Rev pickup to launch in 2024, while Toyota says it will introduce ten new BEVs by 2026. Rivian, already in production with the R1T and R1S, expects to produce 50,000 units this year. Does this increase in supply mean lower prices? Do not hold your breath, but competition will likely create some downward price pressure as recent Tesla price reduction announcements suggest. 

Charging Infrastructure:

• Quick charging in downtown Berlin: Latest Audi charging hub uses existing infrastructure 
• Walmart will add thousands of EV charging stations to stores by 2030 
• The EV industry is gaining momentum. But public charging is a long way from being accessible to all 

Alan’s thoughts:

Audi’s urban charging hub in Nuremberg has developed a loyal following with up to a 70% customer return rate. The hub features a 200 sq meter lounge offering customers a relaxing place to recharge their batteries.  

In the United States, Walmart is selecting suppliers for their next batch of fast chargers, expected to number in the thousands by 2030. Expect Walmart’s attention to customer service to extend to its charging network. I am optimistic that a company like Walmart will ensure the chargers are operational, placed in a safe location, and easily accessible. 

Addressing Climate Change:

• California to require half of all heavy trucks sales to be electric by 2035 
• Green Transportation Depends on the Success of Deep-Sea Mining 
• Calculating the Fastest Road to an Electric Car Future 
• Biden is set to propose toughest-ever rules on car pollution to spur EVs 

Alan’s thoughts:

California’s recent Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation will accelerate heavy trucking usage of battery electric propulsion. On the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to announce new greenhouse gas limits that will spur EV sales. OEMs have been anticipating federal and state regulations, as witnessed by the heavy EV battery and vehicle production investment in the past three years. Climate initiatives are moving forward steadily; however, supply chain disruptions or critical mineral availability could make the transition rocky.