Repurposing automotive design, development and manufacturing for the electric future
31 May 2022
The drive to develop electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionising the automotive industry in the global aim to hit net zero.
Consumer electronics giants like Apple, Sony and Foxconn are some of the many non-automotive companies joining the world of vehicle manufacturing. Market disruption from new players entering the space is amplified by an overhaul of manufacturing models on a scale akin to the ‘just in time’ manufacturing transition 60 years ago. They are taking advantage of their data-driven solutions and software-based manufacturing processes to leapfrog the barriers and legacy infrastructure that are slowing down traditional automotive manufacturers in the race to electrification. This rapid pace of EV development requires new approaches and collaborations outside the traditional automotive supply chain.
Navigating the nascent EV market successfully will require companies to invest in more efficient development and manufacturing processes that are more responsive to changes in available technologies and market demands. However, an industry research paper commissioned by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, entitled “The electric vehicle pivot: Why smart manufacturing, not scale may be the key to success”, reveals that traditional manufacturers are not adapting fast enough.
Read the full article in DPA's June issue