Will EVs Dominate the Sustainable Mobility Space?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are on a fast track to dominate the road. Global sales are projected to surge to 65% by 2030 under the NZE (Net Zero Emissions) scenario, painting a picture of a cleaner future (International Energy Agency Outlook 2024). But a question lingers: can technology, infrastructure, and consumer sentiment keep up with this ambitious timeline? André Linguanotto Abi Chedid , research engineer at BMW, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

A Chat with André Linguanotto on the Pulse of Electromobility

André's passion for vehicles started with combustion engines in Brazil. His journey took an electric turn during his participation in Formula Student. "In 2011, that was my first contact with electromobility," André recalls. "It made me realize the revolution that was happening, and that Europe was at the forefront. Later on, I decided to move to Germany to embrace this exciting field."

BMW's Strategy: Driving Electromobility Forward

André joined BMW after finishing his master’s thesis. Currently he works in R&D with a focus on Electric Machines. ?"Our research department is constantly on the lookout for high-potential technologies that will shape the future of electromobility,", explains André.

He gives us a comprehensive insight into BMW’s approach to electromobility:

• An Expanding Electric Fleet: From entry-level to luxury, BMW is building a diverse EV portfolio, including electric versions of the MINI and even Rolls-Royce.
• Battery Powerhouse: BMW is taking a significant leap with the Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf where the battery tech for the sixth generation is being developed, specifically designed for the Neue Klasse models.
• Smarter Grid Integration: BMW is optimizing vehicle-to-grid energy management systems for improved efficiency and extended battery life.
• Sustainable Motors: In a bid to minimize their environmental footprint, BMW takes advantage of externally excited motors, which mitigate usage of rare earth materials.

Looking ahead, BMW envisions a future of mobility that's electric, digital, and circular embodied in their latest concept car, the BMW Neue Klasse. Moreover, their expanding range of electric vehicles showcases their commitment to a sustainable future.

Overcoming Barriers: Challenges in EV Adoption

While governments and private sectors are pouring money into EV tech, several hurdles still remain. André, however, remains optimistic. "Innovative startups are emerging as key players, with cutting-edge technologies, and new approaches", he says.

Startup Spotlight: DeepDrive ’s Game-Changing Electromobility Solution

One such disrupter is DeepDrive. Rapidly distinguishing itself in the tech sector, DeepDrive offers maturity in its technological solutions that exceed typical industry timelines. Their double rotor technology boasts significant efficiency, weight, and cost advantages. Their compact design allows an in-wheel-drive-train where the motor is located directly in each wheel hub. This collaboration between DeepDrive and BMW, facilitated by the BMW Startup Garage, highlights the power of startup partnerships in accelerating EV progress. You can find out more about this partnership here.

André explains, “Large corporations like BMW have tradition, experience, and know-how, but fulfillment of demanding requirements doesn’t occur overnight. Startups, although agile, often struggle with getting enough funding. However, when working together, the strengths of both can lead to successful innovations.”

André sees three critical areas where startups stand to make a difference:

• Cost Reduction: Electric powertrain production remains reliant on onerous and susceptible supply chains, requiring further cost optimization.
• Sustainability Boost: EVs rely on critical battery materials like cobalt and nickel. Permanent magnets often use heavy rare earth elements, raising environmental concerns. Startups can play a role in creating more sustainable EV products with equivalent functionality, also focusing on disposal and secondary materials.
• Charging Innovation: Faster charging is a trend, but it brings trade-offs with battery life and efficiency. Startups can innovate in battery technology and charging infrastructure to strike a better balance.

The Road Ahead: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

André is a firm believer that true EV efficiency goes beyond the vehicle itself. Considering the CO2 emissions released during the production of electric cars, especially EV batteries, it's evident that while electric cars have the potential to be more sustainable in the long run, this hinges on continuous technological advancements.

BMW's collaboration with DeepDrive exemplifies their commitment to partnering with cutting-edge startups. DeepDrive's double rotor technology offers significant advantages, addressing some of the key challenges in the EV space.

Reflecting on the broader impact, André notes, “We are in a very volatile moment in the automotive industry. Emerging technologies for charging, energy accumulation?and conversion, hydrogen cells, and hybridization present numerous possibilities. There is huge potential for optimization and definition of the best solution for each individual applications.”

By tackling challenges and leveraging opportunities together, industry leaders and startups can pave the way for a sustainable and efficient future for electric vehicles.

Are you a startup with an electromobility solution? We’re looking for collaborators who share our vision for the future. Visit the BMW Startup Garage website to learn more about our fields of interest and how you can contribute.

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