EV innovation shaping future driving

author: FutureCar Staff    

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in recent years and this trend is expected to continue. In the UK alone, there are approximately 850,000 fully electric cars and 530,000 plug-in hybrids on the roads as of August 2023.

However, despite the interest in EVs, not everyone fully understands their advantages and the transition from traditional combustion engine cars to EVs will require time and investment. To support this transition, it is important for industries such as lubricant manufacturers to continue innovating. The question arises: how can we help consumers understand the benefits of EV ownership and encourage widespread adoption?

One of the advantages of EVs is their simplified maintenance compared to traditional cars. EVs have different maintenance needs, focusing on fluid applications encountered in electrified powertrains. This simplified maintenance appeals to consumers interested in EVs, especially with reliable support and insight available from workshops.

The increase in consumer action towards EVs can be attributed to several factors, including the availability of EV models across different price points, trustworthy expert resources and maintenance, and improved understanding of the environmental impact of EV production.

While there are barriers to owning hybrid cars and EVs, such as cost and infrastructure, these barriers vary by region. Many consumers are not aware that they can save money in the long term by using an EV. However, global EV infrastructure is improving, with a 50% increase from the previous year.

Consumers can also adjust their lifestyle to work seamlessly with EVs by checking the availability of charging stations in their local area and utilizing them when needed. In the UK, the number of public charging points has increased by 40% in the last 12 months. Additionally, consumers should research financial incentives available for EV purchases and charging station installations, such as the Plug-In grant offered by the UK government.

Innovation is happening within the supply chain and automotive-adjacent industries to ensure the best EV products for consumers. Supply chains are becoming more sustainable, with reduced plastic packaging. Lubricant technology is also constantly developing to meet the needs of new electric and hybrid models.

The future of EVs and hybrid vehicles looks promising, with ongoing government regulation and investment in EV infrastructure. Significant developments in digitization, battery management, and autonomous vehicles are expected. However, it is important to prioritize the customer experience and their needs as these technologies evolve.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Automotive World Ltd. Giuseppe Pedretti is the Regional Managing Director at PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI).

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FutureCar Staff