Electromobility: A threat to Germany?

Electromobility: A Threat to Germany?

In recent weeks, the topic of electromobility has been intensively discussed, sometimes controversially. The German federal government has decided on a purchase incentive for electric cars and plug-in hybrids to compensate for the existing deficit in Germany. Why Electromobility? In general, it is clear that the mobility of the future must do without the combustion of fossil resources. Availability is decreasing over time, and the ecological consequences are devastating. We need alternatives. It now seems clear that the drive of the future will be electric. There are many reasons for this: with an electric motor, over 90% of the energy used is converted into what mobility is all about, namely movement. The torque acts immediately, there is no inefficient speed range as with an internal combustion engine. In addition, an electric drive is significantly less complex, the overall system is less prone to failures, and the lifespan of the vehicles is much higher. The question of whether the power for the electric drive will come from a battery, a fuel cell, or a completely different source remains open. Currently, the battery and the fuel cell are the most promising concepts. While the American electric car pioneer Tesla and the Japanese manufacturer Nissan rely on the battery, companies like Toyota and Hyundai favor the fuel cell. Is Electromobility a Panacea? Certainly, electromobility also has weaknesses. A major point of criticism is always the source from which the electricity comes. It is indeed correct that electricity from a coal-fired power plant is dirty. However, it is doubtful whether an electric car is really dirtier than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine when using coal-generated electricity. It is also important to consider that a significant amount of energy is needed to produce gasoline and diesel, from extraction to refining, and then transporting the fuel to gas stations. These aspects are often overlooked in such considerations. The crucial point is that with electromobility, it is fundamentally possible to be fully renewable, which is fundamentally impossible when using an internal combustion engine. Another criticism of the new way of driving is the ecological impact of battery production. According to a study by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), the ecological footprint of a lithium-ion battery is much better than expected. Therefore, a car with a conventional engine should not consume more than 4 liters of gasoline per 100 km to match the energy balance of an electric car. Furthermore, a battery can be recycled in many parts, and the application of the battery pack as a home energy storage unit after its time in the electric car is also conceivable. The American manufacturer Tesla is working on locating and replacing faulty cells in weakening batteries. This means that the entire battery pack does not need to be replaced if battery losses occur after a few years. Paradigm Shift Required Electromobility represents not only a technical change but also a paradigm shift for users. At least with a battery-powered electric vehicle, it is no longer possible to fully charge in a few minutes. Therefore, it is necessary to consider how time can be used effectively when the vehicle is otherwise idle. An electric vehicle can be charged while going out for dinner in the evening or sleeping at home. There are already many opportunities for recharging today, although they are not widely known and spread. Electromobility is by no means only for urban areas; it also works for long distances and frequent drivers. Electric vehicle manufacturers must understand that the traditional workshop business will shrink. While a new set of tires or new shock absorbers may still be necessary for an electric vehicle, the traditional services such as exhaust systems, fuel filters, or simple oil changes are no longer required. However, since an electric vehicle requires much less maintenance, manufacturers must adapt to this change early on. The Threat to Germany? The German automotive industry is currently in danger of missing out on the most significant change in the sector. There are few signs of efforts to replace outdated technology with modern ideas. While electric and hybrid vehicles are produced sporadically, this is more to improve the CO2 fleet balance. The major innovation drivers are located in the USA, Japan, Korea, France, and China. Electromobility is already much more widespread in many countries compared to Germany. Manufacturers like Tesla did not wait for subsidies; they have not only created a high-priced but attractive electric vehicle but also established their own charging infrastructure. As a result, range is no longer an issue. Other manufacturers have been active for many years and have relevant experience. This experience is lacking in German manufacturers. The German automotive lobby would do well to position itself independently for the future instead of clamoring for state subsidies. The recently decided purchase premium is unlikely to boost demand. There are far more intelligent incentives, such as designing financial benefits for electric vehicles so that large fuel-consuming vehicles as company cars become less attractive. It Gets Even Thicker The shift in propulsion technology is just one aspect of profound changes. The digitization and networking of mobility are also coming into play. Companies like Apple or Google are already entering the automotive market with initial autonomous driving test vehicles. Autonomous driving was dismissed last year by the current VW management and former Porsche CEO Matthias Müller as a "hype" that "cannot be justified by anything." Mercedes-Benz is introducing a kind of autopilot with the current E-Class in the luxury version, which is supposed to enable partial self-driving of the vehicle and is celebrated as a world first. However, this is not entirely correct, as Tesla has been offering such capabilities in its Model S for almost a year. Automobile manufacturers must realize that they will no longer be just metal benders and engine manufacturers but IT companies that also happen to make cars. Tesla, Apple, Google, and others have understood this. German manufacturers do not seem to have grasped this realization yet. It remains to be seen whether German car managers are about to make the same mistakes as the managers of major electricity producers like RWE, EON & Co., who clearly missed the boat on renewable energies. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, once said: "When it becomes obvious, you're too late." For more information on electromobility and Dr. Mario Buchinger, visit here: http://www.trainers-excellence.de/redner/mario-buchinger.html