As businesses embrace the electric mobility revolution, OEMs and battery manufacturers are accelerating the electrification of their portfolio, introducing 350 EV models in last 5 years. Several OEMs have even announced the date for ending internal combustion engine sales. With EV technology already a proven cost-efficient solution for several fleet types, businesses from the technology demand side are also playing a key role in accelerating the adoption of EV technology for users.

We have seen some fleets include wireless charging infrastructure as part of their solution, OEM’s offering battery swap infrastructure with associated new concepts of “Battery-as-a-Service” and the rise of new offerings including “Charging-as-a-Service" through mobile charging technology. As investment increases to advance technology, we need to plan and build infrastructure that is fit for purpose now, but also adaptable to incorporate future technology.

A fast internal combustion engine phaseout however must be supported by the equally fast deployment of sustainable and equitable charging infrastructure, its efficient integration in the grid, and access to renewable energy sources. The current global market volatility is having an impact on the manufacture of EVs and chargers due to microchip shortages attributable to COVID-19 and China’s associated lockdowns which could result in a more linear increase in the number of EVs. This recent market unpredictability including the spike in gasoline prices may result in more behavioural changes, attitudes and adoption of EVs.