The electric vehicle charging infrastructure market is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the adoption of EVs worldwide. However, the slowdown in EV sales has had a noticeable impact on investments in EV charging infrastructure. As demand growth moderates, investors and developers are exercising increased caution, leading to a reassessment of expansion timelines and funding allocations. Slower EV adoption has delayed expansion plans for many charging networks, shifting the focus fro...

Mainland China’s electric vehicle industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, backed by aggressive government policies supporting new-energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). However, in the past two years, mainland China’s policy approach has evolved due to emerging challenges, such as oversupply, fierce domestic competition and a maturing market. Mainland China has dro...

The Battery Show North America 2025, which was held in Detroit in early October, turned out to be an essential platform to witness innovative solutions and advancements in battery manufacturing, electric vehicle powertrains and thermal solutions, and energy storage technologies. Along with a focus on cell technology, the focus at the Battery Show North America was also around the peripheral technologies, including battery manufacturing solutions, advanced material battery components and thermal ...

On July 4, US President Donald Trump signed a new federal budget, also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, into law. Key priorities include cutting government spending to address the increasing national debt and lowering energy costs through significantly enhancing domestic oil production. The recently passed bill signals a policy shift that claims to support domestic electric vehicle production and battery supply chains but introduces uncertainty around how these goals will be achieved. T...

Once heralded as a promising alternative to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen-powered mobility now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with infrastructural bottlenecks, economic impracticalities, and a highly niche market, especially in the light vehicle segment. General Motors’(GM) recent announcement  to discontinue hydrogen fuel cell development, along with Stellantis’ recent decision to shelve its hydrogen fuel cell program and the liquidation of HYVIA - a joint venture...

The automotive semiconductor market has been navigating a period of unusual volatility. On one side, near-term demand pressures are easing. The slowdown in electric vehicle adoption is reducing average chip content per vehicle, since EVs typically contain significantly more semiconductors than internal combustion models. Tariffs are further dampening global vehicle demand. S&P Global Mobility estimates suggest up to 0.6 million fewer vehicles will be produced in 2026 because of trade barrier...

Electric vehicles are considered more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to their zero tailpipe emissions. However, new environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are evaluating the sustainability of the entire value chain, not just the operational life of the product, and questioning how eco-friendly EVs really are. At the center of this discourse is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, the most critical component that powers the vehicle. The c...

IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich was a pivotal event underscoring the electric mobility revolution, with industry leaders unveiling cutting-edge battery innovations and transformative charging technologies. The event provided a comprehensive outlook on how battery and charging technologies are advancing and shaping the future of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation. The battery technology exhibits at IAA Mobility 2025 focused heavily on next-generation solid-state battery solutions, en...

IAA Mobility 2025, held in Munich, Germany, from September 9 to 14, 2025, brought together global automakers, semiconductor leaders, tech innovators and mobility service providers under the theme “It’s All About Mobility.” The event marked a shift from being a traditional auto show to a comprehensive mobility and technology platform, showcasing over 350 world premieres from more than 750 exhibitors across 37 countries, with a strong focus on electrification, software-defined vehicles, semi...

IAA Mobility 2025, held in Munich from Sept. 9-14, brought together global automakers, semiconductor leaders, tech innovators and mobility service providers under the theme “It’s All About Mobility.” The event marked a transition from a traditional auto show to a comprehensive mobility and technology platform, showcasing over 350 world premieres from more than 750 exhibitors across 37 countries. This evolution highlighted a strong focus on electrification, software-defined vehicles, semico...

The global automotive industry is witnessing a strategic shift as established car manufacturers, or legacy original equipment manufacturers, are increasingly turning to Chinese tech startups to gain a competitive edge. Once seen as a market to be conquered, China is now a source of innovation, particularly in the critical area of advanced driver assistance systems. Instead of traditional joint ventures for market access, these new partnerships are focused on co-development to gain speed and loca...

As efforts intensify to decarbonize the transportation sector, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) offers great new opportunities and major challenges. One of the biggest obstacles, besides a lack of sufficient EV charging infrastructure, is the load that millions of EVs — when charged at the same time — can place on the existing power grids, potentially overwhelming local and regional power systems. In this regard, bidirectional charging technologies are expected to become...

The global transition to electric vehicles is steadily progressing, driven by government policies, advancing technologies and changing consumer preferences. A crucial factor for potential EV buyer is the ease of access to charging stations. While home and workplace charging remain preferred and convenient for many, the rising number of EVs, particularly in urban areas with limited or no private parking, has increased the need for accessible and efficient charging infrastructure. On-street ...

The mainland Chinese automotive industry is transforming rapidly and becoming increasingly competitive on a global scale. From electric cars to autonomous shuttles, mobility is being redefined, and semiconductors are at its core. Mainland Chinese original equipment manufacturers are doubling down on semiconductor control to fuel their next tech leap, ready to take bigger risks and move faster with bold, strategic investments. There is a strategic emphasis on local supply chains and "silicon s...

As autonomous driving gains renewed global momentum, a strategic window is opening in Europe and the Middle East where mainland Chinese tech giants are moving early while US leaders like Tesla and Waymo remain focused on North America. Companies such as Baidu, WeRide and Pony.ai are rapidly launching pilot programs and forming local partnerships to capture first-mover advantages in these emerging markets. Domestic momentum: Commercialization of autonomous driving in mainland China and the US ...

The automotive semiconductor landscape is entering a pivotal phase with Qualcomm, Nvidia and Mobileye all launching Level 2+ and above systems into production for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen (VW), respectively, in 2025. This means 2025 and 2026 will be critical for deployment and execution for these systems-on-chip (SoCs) suppliers and the industry in general. Consider this a milestone, especially as traditional original equipment manufacturers transition to more safety-rich applications ...

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the electrification of vehicles. As a result, power electronics have become a focal point in determining the efficiency, performance and sustainability of electric vehicles. There has been a significant shift in market dynamics, particularly concerning demand for EVs. Despite the positive long-term outlook for EVs, recent years have seen a slowdown in sales growth compared to the rapid expansion experienced in previo...

Mainland China’s automotive battery sector is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by rapid technological advancements, cost-driven innovation, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Insights from the China International Battery Fair (CIBF) and the CLNB 2025 – New Energy Industry Chain Expo reveal a dynamic landscape shaped by the pursuit of solid-state batteries (SSBs), sodium-ion solutions, fast-charging capabilities, and practical approaches to decarbonization and recycling. ...

Europe and the UK region have witnessed a few high-profile battery companies abruptly filing for insolvency in the recent past, leaving behind a noteworthy setback for the region’s local battery production ambitions. UK’s promising battery startup Britishvolt, which was once hailed by the country’s prime minister, filed for insolvency in January 2023. It was soon followed by the Swedish battery company Northvolt, which represented Europe’s hopes to compete with China’s hegemony in t...

The mainland Chinese automotive market is not only a major driver of global vehicle sales, but it is now a decisive force shaping the direction of automotive computing in the cockpit and advanced driver assistance system system-on-chip (SoC) technologies. Mainland China’s unique dynamics are compelling domestic and Western SoC suppliers, such as Qualcomm and NVIDIA, to adapt to its demands, including cost pressure and geopolitical challenges. For instance, NVIDIA's DRIVE Thor platform, featuri...

In the years soon after the COVID-19 pandemic, investments into electric vehicle charging infrastructure accelerated dramatically as governments, private companies and international institutions laid the groundwork for an electrified future. This surge of capital was driven by the understanding that increasing the range in a vehicle is not enough to instill confidence in prospective buyers about EVs, and a robust and faster EV charging network with easy access is equally vital. However, the m...

BYD Auto recently unveiled its new “God’s Eye” advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which will be integrated across all its models — including subsidiary brands Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang, as well as the affordable Seagull hatchback priced at 70,000 Chinese yuan (about $9,600). More recently, BYD has begun offering wide-ranging price discounts of about 10% to 30% on its Dynasty and Ocean lineup of models in China until June 30, reducing the Seagull’s price to 55,800 Chinese...

In a time when electric vehicle demand is undergoing a corrective phase, where consumers are having second thoughts about opting for full EVs and are more inclined toward hybrids, making EVs more attractive to buyers is becoming highly important. Central to this objective will be the battery technology, which dictates vehicle range, cost, safety and overall performance. Among emerging battery chemistries, high-manganese lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries — often referred to as lithium manganese...

Responding to global trade issues, on April 4, mainland China imposed limitations on exporting various medium and heavy rare earth metals such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. The country controls approximately 90% of commercial REE production and its refining process, thereby holding a dominant position in the REE sector. In addition to these metals, the announced restriction also applies to permanent magnets, which could more rapidly disrupt global ...

One thing is abundantly clear after the FISITA World Mobility Conference (WMC) last week. Megatrends impact everything. No longer can chassis development, braking, safety validation and so forth stand alone without impact from the broader drive towards electrification, the AI revolution or SDVs, to name a few.  The event’s sessions gave the impression that electrification is already baked into the industry, particularly in Europe where the debate on (regulation-pushed) direction is ...

In an attempt to redefine new technology roadmaps for batteries at its first ever Super Tech Day, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) has unveiled three new innovative battery solutions — a sodium-ion battery for electric passenger cars, a dual-core battery system and a second-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery. CATL’s new solutions aim to address some of the key challenges associated with the batteries, which are not only pivotal in advancing new innovations in mobili...

Automotive compute power is becoming a defining metric of vehicle capability — not just for autonomy, but across cockpit systems, connectivity and life-cycle software deployment. As vehicles transition toward centralized electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and software-defined platforms, silicon performance is now a core determinant of what a vehicle can do — and how long it will remain competitive in the field. Two metrics have emerged as industry standards for measuring this compu...

The race to develop ultrafast chargers for electric cars started around 2022, when at an event, Chinese electric carmaker XPeng launched its S4 ultrafast supercharging technology. At the event in Guangzhou, the company organized a ‘live’ demonstration of charging its electric SUV G9 with its S4 supercharger, which delivered a Chinese light-duty test cycle (CLTC) range of 210 kms in just 5 minutes of charging. It was then Xpeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng took the spotlight and compared t...

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology is already a force to be reckoned with in mainland China’s electric vehicle segment, with automakers preferring this technology over the nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery due to its low-cost, better safety attributes. LFP’s position may get even stronger when mainland China’s new battery safety regulations take effect. Recently, mainland China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced a new mandatory national safety ...

Even as several countries continue to derisk their global manufacturing and supply chain footprints amid geopolitical volatility, tariffs and trade conflicts, looming socio-economic challenges such as the rising cost of living and inflation have led to increased consumer preference for more affordable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This broad global trend is also supported by a slowdown in the demand for higher priced battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and the lack of adequate and reli...

Acknowledging that the pace of electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment has been slow and must accelerate to meet the requirements given under the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), a part of the Fit for 55 package, the European Commission has given a nod to launch the European Clean Transport Corridor initiative in the third quarter of 2025. In its Industrial Action Plan for the EU’s automotive industry, which was released on March 5, the commission said that it ...

Advancements in electronics systems and software are driving a significant transformation in the automotive industry. Vehicles are increasingly equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, such as infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This integration requires power distribution units (PDUs) to support the growing number of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors, necessitating more complex and reliable power distribution n...

In April 2025, ABC Technologies successfully acquired TI Fluid Systems for over £1.8 billion. The merged entity will be rebranded as TI Automotive, reflecting the strong engineering, commitment from employees, and customer service legacies of both companies. The merger was initially announced in November 2024. a. TI Fluid Systems business scenario TI Fluid Systems comprises two product segments, i.e., fluid carrying systems (FCS) and fuel tank delivery systems (FTDS). It has an extensive ...

Since taking office on Jan. 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump has made several announcements that significantly influence the automotive industry. In our previous analysis, "A Look at the Current Propulsion Supply Chain Landscape in the US," we explored the US propulsion supply chain, anticipated announcements from the Trump administration, and the dynamics of imports versus domestic production. In this article, we will assess the key announcements made by the second Trump administration and t...

The 2020s have not been auspicious for the automotive industry or the automotive supply chain. Increasing regulatory stringency regarding emissions and fuel economy, the topsy-turvy transition to electric vehicles, the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and, more recently, tariffs and counter-tariffs imposed by various countries have all contributed to the current turmoil. All this followed the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the decade, which caused widespread auto supply chain...

The first couple of months of Trump administration 2.0 were action packed for businesses across sectors and even across international borders. While tariffs on neighboring countries have been at the center of the discourse, the administration’s unfavorable position toward clean energy technology sector has also led to some critical decisions within the country that are bound to affect the pace of transportation electrification. The recent suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastr...

1. Strategic context: Policy overview Greater China’s Implementation Plan for High-Quality Development of the Aluminum Industry (2025–2027) outlines a comprehensive roadmap to elevate the region’s aluminum sector into a global leader in sustainability, innovation and resource security. Key targets include: 15 million tons of recycled aluminum production by 2027, reducing reliance on primary production. 30% clean energy adoption in electrolytic aluminum smelting. 3%–5% increa...

As automated driving become more prevalent, such vehicles are increasingly capable of controlling both longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. However, these systems still operate in defined conditions and rely on the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over when needed — either immediately or after a period of time communicated in advance. In scenarios where the driver becomes unresponsive or unable to regain control, the system cannot continue operating indefinitely. Disengaging ...

The Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2025 took place from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the San Jose Convention Center, California. This event continued to serve as a platform for developers, researchers, engineers and innovators to explore the latest advancements in GPU technology and its applications across various industries, such as AI and autonomous vehicles. At Nvidia's GTC 2025, CEO Jensen Huang's keynote highlighted the transformative potential of agentic AI using accelerated computi...

Even as global trade reels under the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs, countries are in for another jolt from the other end of the world. In response to the US tariffs, mainland China has imposed its own limitations on exporting various medium and heavy rare earth metals, a sector in which it holds a dominant position. According to reports, mainland China controls more than 90% of global rare earth metal production. These key metals are used in almost all manufacturing industrie...

The automotive industry has long been recognized as a high-capital, low-return sector, grappling with various economic pressures and competitive challenges. In recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, particularly with the rise of mainland Chinese automotive companies. Here we review the profitability trends between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, and the implications of macroeconomic factors that shape the industry. The automotive sector is currently in tu...

The ruling by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is designed to address national security concerns related to the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) supply chain for connected vehicles. It specifically targets two critical systems: vehicle connectivity systems (VCS) and automated driving systems (ADS). VCS encompasses hardware and software that enable vehicles to communicate externally, while ADS includes software capable of performing the entire dynamic driving...

The advent of electric vehicles has kept the demand for lithium-ion batteries growing for over the last decade. The battery supply chain industry, including cell manufacturing and battery materials, have witnessed huge investments leading to significant capacity buildup across several regions globally. However, the recent slowdown in EV demand has placed the supply chain in a tough spot as capacity addition resulted in an oversupply situation, which reduced the cost of all key battery materia...

The ability to charge an electric vehicle to a 400-km range in just 5 minutes represents a significant shift in EV technology with advanced semiconductor technology. BYD's Super e Platform achieved this through its newly developed car-grade silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. These chips are rated for 1,500-V operation, essential for supporting the platform's 1,000-V architecture and enabling megawatt-level charging capabilities. While Ron (on-resistance) is a critical factor in evaluating SiC...

The adoption of electric vehicles has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated five years ago. Many have questioned whether the transition to EVs is beneficial, as concerns about their practicality in everyday use persist, despite the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions. According to the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2024, primary concerns include the availability of charging stations, long charging times and the range on a single charge. Nearly half of the respondent...

Presenting the Union budget for financial year 2025-26 on Feb. 1, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the removal of the basic customs duty (BCD) on the import of various battery materials. This includes cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, zinc and 12 other essential materials. The budget also proposed to add 35 capital goods and equipment used in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles to the list of exempted capital goods. The move is expected to not...

Mainland China has been hit by tariffs from several key trade partners including countries in North America and Europe, most recently the additional tariffs from the Trump administration. In fact, trade restrictions against mainland Chinese companies have been getting stricter in the last 12 months. Electric vehicles, in which China is a runaway leader, has been one of the main targets for tariffs. In October last year, Europe levied additional duties which were as high as 35.3% on companies ...

Stellantis has announced the readiness of its in-house developed STLA AutoDrive 1.0, a Level 3 automated driving system enabling hands-free and eyes-off operation at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). This positions Stellantis alongside Mercedes-Benz (2022) and BMW (2024) in the Level 3 race. The development of Stellantis' Level 3 also draws on the expertise acquired during the partnership with BMW several years ago. The Jeep Wagoneer will be the first vehicle to offer this tech, with Alfa Romeo and...

New steel and aluminum tariffs, scheduled to take effect March 12, represent a significant shift in US trade policy. The tariffs were announced by President Trump on Feb. 10, and they expand the 2018 measures imposed under Section 232 aiming to protect domestic industries. However, the tariffs are expected to increase costs for the automotive sector, which would ultimately lead to higher consumer prices. Additionally, the potential for retaliatory trade actions introduces further uncertainty and...

The new Trump administration has begun operations, and it has not been the most comfortable two weeks for the US’ neighbors and trade partners. Donald Trump has started his second tenure as president of the US by announcing a slew of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and mainland China. The White House, in a release, said, “The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (...

In the March 2024 electrical/electronic (E/E) semiconductor report titled "Global chessboard of chips: geopolitical shifts reshaping the automotive semiconductor landscape", we highlighted that restrictions on mainland China's access to critical AI chips and autonomous vehicle technology may not solely serve to limit its capabilities. Instead, these measures could potentially accelerate mainland China's efforts to develop domestic alternatives. Over recent years, mainland Chinese companies have ...

Over the years the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has become a center stage for automotive innovations. CES 2025 focused on the practical implementation of existing technologies rather than introducing new concept models, highlighting a shift toward refining and deploying previously unveiled innovations. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) emerged as a central theme at CES 2025, reflecting their growing prominence and the intensified support from the broader automotive ecosystem. However, particip...

Earlier in 2024, S&P Global Mobility conducted a consumer survey related to electric vehicle, to gauge what the consumers are expecting out of the new age EVs. The survey aimed to understand the minimum range an EV should have and the longest acceptable time for a full charge. Most respondents expressed willingness to wait 30 minutes to an hour for a charging session. The aim is to reduce charging times as close as refueling times for an internal combustion engine (ICE). Installing fast-c...

The recent directive from the US Commerce Department to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) requires the company to halt shipments of advanced chips used for AI applications to mainland Chinese companies. Effective Nov. 11, 2024, this order targets chips of 7 nanometers (nm) and below, which are essential for supporting AI workloads and graphics processing units (GPUs). TSMC's decision to restrict the use of 7 nm or below processes for AI companies reflects its strategic positioning...

On Dec. 23, 2024, leading Japanese carmakers Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further ongoing discussions for establishing a joint holding company, overarching the Honda and Nissan brands. While the merger could create the world’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer by sales, Nissan and Honda expect that the revenue of a joint holding company could exceed ¥30 trillion ($192.66 billion) with a 10% operating profit margin. This level of profit...

Mobileye hosted its Innovation Day on Dec. 9 and 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. This event provided analysts and industry stakeholders with an in-depth look at Mobileye's technological advancements, strategic objectives and commercial progress. The agenda featured real-world demonstrations of the EyeQ5-based SuperVision system in production vehicles and the Drive system in robo-taxi vehicles. Additionally, Mobileye presented its technical approach to autonomous vehicle, introduced new technolo...

During the first half of 2024, automakers have notably advanced the integration of generative AI across multiple segments, such as infotainment systems, vehicle personalization and in-car personal assistants. This integration has enhanced the user experience by providing personalized content, real-time navigation, and intelligent voice interactions, transforming vehicles into more intuitive and adaptive environments. Generative AI is also poised to redefine autonomous driving by enabling systems...

The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially implemented substantial revisions to its 5-Star Safety Ratings program, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing road safety across the nation. These updates involve the integration of advanced driver assistance technologies, the introduction of a crashworthiness pedestrian protection program, and the establishment of a strategic plan for future modifications over the next decade. The r...

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery prices have decreased around 90% over a past decade. In the past one year itself, prices have fallen nearly 25%. What’s causing the prices to fall so dramatically? This was primarily due to the fall in prices of critical battery metals: Lithium, cobalt and nickel. For example, the price of cobalt has fallen from roughly $70,000 per metric ton in 2022 to about $30,000 in 2024. Similarly, the price for lithium carbonate has also fallen from a high of approximately $7...

In October 2024, French Energy company Engie SA ceased operations of EV Box, an Amsterdam-based supplier of EV charging stations for residential and commercial purposes, after failing for months to find a buyer for its loss-making subsidiary. The only saving grace was that Engie managed to sell off EV Box’s DC business, named EVTronic, to engineering and electrical installation services company Financière de Pessac, which took over EV Box’s facility in Bordeaux, France. Although Engie sa...

In the aftermath of the US election, President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office has sparked widespread speculation about the implications of his second term, particularly in the automotive sector. As the world watches, the intersection of politics and innovation becomes a focal point, with the administration's stance on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on electric vehicle supply chains taking center stage. Meanwhile, the alliance between Elon Musk and th...

The advent of autonomous trucking represents a significant paradigm shift within the broader mobility industry, with far-reaching implications for logistics and supply chain management. However, the roadmap for autonomous truck deployment is continuously being dialed back as technology maturation, capital investment, business case rationalization, and regulatory hurdles prove more challenging than expected. Despite these challenges, the potential for autonomous trucks to revolutionize freight tr...

In recent years, Qualcomm, building on its automotive connectivity solutions, aggressively expanded into automotive domains using system-on-chips (SoCs), focusing on two major areas — the cockpit experience and advanced driver assistance systems. These efforts were showcased by including automotive for the first time in its annual Snapdragon Summit, where Qualcomm revealed its vision and developments for shaping the future of mobility. Key highlights from Snapdragon Summit 2024 Qualcomm�...

Tesla’s "We, Robot" event on Oct. 10 was highly anticipated, especially with expectations centered around the unveiling of robo-taxis, updates on Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and the evolution of Tesla's AI-driven vehicle plans. However, the event began an hour later than scheduled and left much to be desired in terms of substantive demonstration of progress. While some new concepts were introduced, overall the event was more of a teaser than a revelation. Tesla shares dropped nearly 9% ...

In late September, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage across the southern US. The storm brought heavy rainfall, widespread power outages and forced many residents to evacuate. The damage will impact individuals, families, communities and entire regions for weeks, months and perhaps years. Spruce Pine, NC, a small town vital to the global semiconductor supply chain, was among the hardest hit. It is home to the largest known deposit of high-purity quartz (HPQ), supplying over 70% of the wo...

The bid to make lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries more efficient and safer has been an ongoing process, with discussions mostly revolving around cell technology and chemistry advancements. As the traditional Li-ion cell chemistries approach the advancement ceiling, avenues other than the cell are being considered for increasing the safety and efficiency of batteries. Battery pack enclosures have become an intrinsic part of the discussions around battery pack performance and their overall impact ...

Automotive semiconductor companies have declared their latest financial results for the year, as they continue to execute their strategy. In the first half of 2024, most experienced a decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, after three consecutive years of double-digit growth. Key players such as Infineon and NXP experienced slight year-over-year declines, with Infineon down by about 0.8% and NXP by 4.4%. STMicroelectronics suffered the biggest revenue drop, with a year-over-year decl...

Automotive manufacturers are in a race to distinguish themselves in the fast-evolving landscape of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. As competition intensifies, original equipment manufacturers are adopting diverse strategies to integrate these features, ranging from enhancing safety and convenience with ADAS to pushing the boundaries with fully autonomous capabilities. A recent example of this strategy is Mercedes-Benz, which in August became the ...

BMW has initiated a recall involving over 1.5 million vehicles globally, citing issues with the integrated braking system (IBS) supplied by Continental AG. This recall encompasses significant models such as the BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, Rolls-Royce Spectre, Mini Cooper, Mini Countryman and numerous BMW crossovers. The defect lies in the brake-by-wire (BBW) technology, an innovative system aimed at enhancing braking efficiency through electronic signals rather than traditional hydraulic mechanisms....

The electric vehicle charging space in India is powering up. The past few quarters have brought many announcements of collaborations between automakers, power companies, oil retailers, charging hardware manufacturers and service providers to expand the network of public EV charging stations across the country. However, the path is far from smooth with several obstacles remaining to be navigated around. This week, Tata Power, one of India's largest integrated power companies, announced it had ...

The Indian automotive market is rapidly evolving, and semiconductor suppliers are eyeing it as a fertile ground for expansion. The demand is particularly high in infotainment, telematics and in-car entertainment systems with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) also showing signs of growth in the Indian market, although penetration of such drive assist technologies is relatively low compared to the EU and US markets. In recent years, leading semiconductor companies have been turning thei...

The 2029 automated emergency braking (AEB) mandate, encapsulated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127, represents a pivotal shift in automotive safety standards in the United States, setting forth stringent requirements for advanced AEB systems to enhance vehicle safety. With a compliance date set for Sept. 1, 2029, this mandate aims to significantly reduce the incidence of rear-end collisions and pedestrian injuries by ensuring that vehicles can detect imminent threats a...

Intensifying competition and a global slowdown in the demand for electric vehicles are increasingly pressuring carmakers to explore ways to reduce the cost of manufacturing for wider adoption. The growing focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology is emerging to be a key step in that direction with almost all global automakers looking to integrate LFP chemistry into their battery portfolios, irrespective of their location. While the battery makers from mainland China, such as CA...

Longer range and faster charging speeds are probably the two most important aspects that prospective owners look for in an electric vehicle. While battery technology is important, power electronics play an equally important role in ensuring these attributes are met in an EV. Power electronics is a term that refers to a process that controls the flow of current and voltage and converts it into a form that is appropriate for user loads. A power electronics system converts electrical energy into...

Recent public announcements from key players in the automotive and semiconductor industries have raised alarms about a potential chip shortage expected to hit in the later half of 2025 or 2026. A top executive from Continental has indicated that, based on current forecasts, the industry may face another round of semiconductor shortages around the third or fourth quarter of 2025. During its second-quarter earnings call, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei highlighted that the supply of advanced chips is unlikely t...

The Chinese government's proactive approach and the competitive dynamics among industry players are accelerating the development of autonomous driving technologies. While the road ahead is uncertain, the potential benefits of safer, more efficient transportation systems make this an exciting and transformative period for the automotive industry. The central and municipal governments in China play key roles in the advancement of the autonomous vehicle industry. For instance, the announcement o...

Since the second half of last year, the electric vehicle segment is facing strong headwinds, much to the surprise of many, as EVs have been witnessing a strong demand in the last few years in several markets around the world. The ambitious zero-emission (ZEV) sales targets by both governments and the automakers painted a rosy picture about the EV industry and how quickly it is expected to evolve. As the novelty of EVs fades, the last several months have brought forth the realization that ther...

In June, Volvo recalled the EX30 electric small sport utility vehicles (SUVs) owing to a software issue. The software update, intended to enhance features and functionality, instead led to a multitude of problems and a surge in customer returns and refund demands. This situation has resulted in a range of issues, including blacked-out infotainment screens, incorrect information displayed on functioning screens and driver profiles reverting back to factory settings. Furthermore, driver aids have ...

The implementation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R155 cybersecurity regulation has ramifications for the automotive industry that are more immediate than one would ordinarily expect in the vehicle planning process. It has led to some shuffling of vehicle portfolios among original equipment manufacturers due to inputting cost-benefit scenarios into the vehicle planning process. Porsche's decision to discontinue sales of the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered M...

The Automotive Computing Conference (ACC) is a premier event that brings together professionals, researchers and enthusiasts from the automotive industry and computing field. Topics covered include autonomous driving technologies, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), in-vehicle infotainment systems, and the application of artificial intelligence in automotive technologies. Representing S&P Global Mobility, Richard Dixon...

The automotive semiconductor market grew another 18% in 2023 based on revenue share analysis. A solid performance, but 6 points lower than the previous forecast. What happened? What does it mean for the 2024 outlook and beyond? 2023 was good, but not as good as expected The automotive semiconductor market experienced a more than 25% increase in revenue in both 2021 and 2022, demonstrating significant momentum. Subsequently, in 2023, the market continued its upward trajectory with an increa...

Two major mainland China-based lidar suppliers, Hesai Technology and RoboSense, have recently announced the launch of new lidar products aimed at advancing autonomous mobility and intelligent driving systems. Hesai's ATX lidar boasts an ultra-wide field of view (FOV) and long-range detection capabilities, providing vehicles with enhanced 3D perception. It features a compact design, low power consumption, and intelligent rain and fog identification. The ATX has already gained interest from lea...

In 2023, the EU passed a new regulation called the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) as a replacement to the original Directive 2014/94/EU on alternative-fuel infrastructure, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive (AFID). On April 13, 2024, the new regulation came into effect, with the aim to improve user experience and convenience while charging electric vehicles at public chargers. The AFIR sets binding targets for refueling infrastructure powered by electricity or o...

Introduction: The transition to electric parking brakes (EPBs) from conventional cable-operated mechanisms represents a significant advancement in automotive technology. Electric brakes not only effectively immobilize parked vehicles, but also introduce additional functionalities, including hill start assist and hill hold, thereby enhancing both safety and convenience for drivers. Furthermore, they adhere to stringent safety standards, such as ISO 26262 and require less frequent maintenance c...

Owing to the geopolitical uncertainties prevalent in the battery supply chain, automakers are always looking to have more control on the sourcing of various battery components. There are three main components that make up a conventional electric vehicle lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery — the cell, the module and the pack. Automakers can, and generally have, different levels of control on the value chain of these components. A few automakers have complete vertical integration where all the three...

Digitization in our daily lives has transformed the world around us with high-speed cellular networks and the ubiquity of connected devices — be it TVs, smartphones, watches or consumer electronics. This exponential boom in the digital lifestyle mirrors the automotive industry with the soaring volumes of connected cars. Prospective new buyers, especially Gen-Z who are accustomed to using digital applications, crave for a seamless user experience inside their vehicles. Automakers recognize the ...

In July 2023, seven global carmakers — BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis — came together to set up a joint venture focused on providing a reliable, high-speed electric vehicle charging network across North America. The JV has a goal of providing a reliable DC charging network that can offer a seamless charging experience, aimed at exceeding customer expectations in a market that is marred by a lack of adequate EV charging networks, range anxiety, dysfunct...

South Korean battery-makers are working overtime to put solid-state batteries into mass production, along with developing new innovative chemistries to achieve quick charging times. The InterBattery 2024, which was organized in Seoul, South Korea, between March 6–8, saw South Korean battery companies demonstrating the latest innovations in battery technologies, in addition to unveiling their business roadmaps through this decade. For the first time, Samsung SDI, one of the big-three South K...

The year gone by was sort of a mixed back for electric vehicles in several countries around the world. While demand for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) went up significantly in some emerging EV markets, most leading countries witnessed a lower-than-expected demand in 2023, especially during the second half of the year. In fact, demand in leading markets like Germany and Norway fell in 2023, compared with 2022. Although the global demand for PEVs grew 36% year on year, it was lower than what was...

The Automotive Ethernet Congress is a high-profile event that brings together leading technology experts to discuss the future direction of new vehicle network architectures and all-automotive Ethernet network communication. This congress, typically held annually, focuses on current and future technology and product developments in the automotive Ethernet industry. The event provides a platform for professionals to share knowledge and insights on advanced features of automotive Ethernet technolo...

New-car buyers desire bigger, and more advanced displays, and high-quality audio for music and streaming as the overall in-car entertainment quotient is on the rise. To attract customers' attention by way of differentiation, automakers around the world are introducing innovative entertainment features in their cars. Such a trend is not just about the driver and the front passenger anymore, but a lot of focus is on the rear seat, ensuring occupants that often consist of families get a variety of ...