Hybrid and electric vehicles promoted by new OEM strategies

BOSTON, USA: Because improvements in conventional powertrains are deemed insufficient at meeting tightening fuel economy and emission mandates, some automotive OEMs have had to adopt strategies aimed at raising the proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles in their range.

The Strategy Analytics report, “Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: OEM Strategies Reviewed,” assesses this latest business and technical activity from the world’s leading volume car makers.

OEMs will be enabled to meet near-term mandates with the recent, rapid growth of cost-effective efficiency systems—like advanced variable valve timing, downsizing engines with forced induction and stop-start systems tied to conventional powertrains.

However, tougher long-term mandates—such as the European 95 g/km carbon dioxide emission standard for 2020—require further improvements that can only be met by electrifying the powertrain. Yet growth of electrified powertrains will be hindered by cost and complexity.

According to the author of this report, Kevin Mak, Industry Analyst in the Strategy Analytics Automotive Electronics Service, “Car makers have to overcome these powertrain cost challenges by collaborating with other players, utilizing cost-effective components and designing flexible powertrain platforms in order to bring about economies of scale and widen the appeal of hybrid-electric vehicles.”

Mak adds: “Batteries will still impose barriers to mass market adoption. But with these new strategies, hybrid and electric vehicles will have a platform on which they can be further developed.”