How to Be a Strategic Electric Car Supplier
The dynamism of electric vehicle (EV) markets in 2021 has many automotive suppliers excited about the future. But these companies need to be strategic in their investments.
For example, they need to diversify their EV battery supply chains in order to mitigate risks associated with international instability, climate goals and human rights abuses.
Battery
EV batteries are among the most critical components of electric cars. They store energy and generate power electric car supplier to run motors, drive controllers, and operate auxiliary functions like brake boosting and torque converter lockup. They also provide backup power for critical systems in case of a power outage.
The batteries used in EVs are usually lithium-ion cells, which offer high energy density and performance, and are the most common for plug-in vehicles. However, different types of lithium-ion batteries are used by various manufacturers, including Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) – popular with BMW and General Motors for its superior energy density, burn resistance, and safety; Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMO) – which has lower manufacturing costs, has a stable cycling and longer lifespan, and zero cobalt content; and Lithium Polymer – which is lighter in weight, offers higher storage capacity, and is extremely safe during charging and discharging.
Lead-acid batteries are also still used in some EVs to start the motor. They’re cheap and reliable but have a short life and do not perform well in cold conditions.
As demand for EVs continues to grow, it is vital that we prioritize sustainable battery supply chains. This will ensure that we have access to the resources needed to accelerate transportation electrification without jeopardizing the health of people and ecosystems.
Motor
The motor is the core component of an electric car. It replaces the internal combustion engine and converts electrical energy into tractional torque that drives the wheels. The motor can be powered by various sources, including non-fossil fuel and renewable energy, and produces little direct emissions.
The electric motor consists of two main parts: the stator and the rotor. The stator contains a series of coils that are excited with electricity to create a magnetic field. When this magnetic field interacts with the magnets of the rotor, it causes the rotor to rotate. The speed and torque of the motor can be controlled by adjusting the frequency, amplitude, or voltage of the electricity that is supplied to it.
Bosch is a German engineering and technology company that specializes in auto parts, industrial technology, consumer electronics, and IoT systems. Its products include electric drivetrain components, thermal management systems, and charging infrastructure. The company also develops software and cloud services that improve EV performance.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer that designs, electric vehicle supplier manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles. It also offers premium financial and mobility services. The company has a strong presence in the global EV market and continues to invest in new technologies. Its current portfolio includes the BMW i3, iX3, and i8. It is also working on a self-driving system called Personal Pilot.
Electronics
While batteries are the heart and soul of electric vehicles, EVs also depend on other key components to function. This includes the power electronics that provide the electricity for the motor and charging infrastructure that allows drivers to recharge their cars in a safe and convenient manner.
The world’s major carmakers are investing heavily in EV production, and governments are drafting policies and incentives to encourage EV adoption. This growth is fuelled by the global network of suppliers that produce these key EV components. These include battery producers and companies that specialise in EV drivetrains, which are the devices that provide the electricity for EVs to move forwards and backwards. Other specialised suppliers produce the necessary wiring and other parts to ensure EVs can connect to the charging station, which is an essential part of the process.
Battery supply chain challenges are a serious obstacle to scaling EVs. The global supply of critical minerals for EV batteries is concentrated in just a few countries, and mining these deposits often leads to human rights violations and environmental degradation. Moreover, battery prices are volatile and may pose a challenge to reaching the sales volumes required to align with the Net Zero scenario.
Despite these challenges, battery manufacturers are pushing to lower costs and expand their market share in the EV space. This is partly because EV sales are growing, and carmakers are generating more revenue from EVs than they do from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models to finance investments in EV production and research.
Chassis
The chassis used in electric cars is much different from the traditional car chassis as it carries almost all the propulsion components on itself. This essentially lowers the centre of gravity which makes the vehicle more stable, improves handling and gives better traction on all wheels. It also makes it safer by concealing the battery pack within the rigid side beams of the chassis for better crash protection.
The frame is made of an extruded aluminum alloy and consists of three sections. The front section F, the rear section R and the center section C are connected with each other using aluminum brackets and bolts. After assembling and fixing the necessary seats and a battery, a driveable electric vehicle chassis is ready for use.
Compared to the traditional car chassis, this tub-style chassis has a smaller footprint. This means it can be designed and built in a shorter timeframe, making it possible to get an EV on the road faster. The tub-style chassis is also easier to assemble because the cabin and chassis are constructed separately and then attached to each other later on.
Moreover, the tub-style chassis is also more flexible than a ladder chassis. This is because the battery packs are located below the passenger compartment, which allows for more space inside the car. This flexibility allows EVs to be more versatile and serve more uses, such as people-movers that can double up as cargo vans.