Feature

Robotic systems boost flexibility in the EV race

Scalable flexibility is crucial for automotive manufacturers looking to adapt production for an all-electric future. That means taking a fresh approach to robot automation, says Julian Ware, UK & Ireland Sales Manager for ABB Robotics.

02/08/2023 10:16:31

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The direction of travel may be clear, but the road to full electric vehicle (EV) production is littered with obstacles. Global research commissioned by ABB Robotics has revealed that more than half (59 percent) of respondents believe the shift to pure EV production is not
achievable within current legislative timelines (2030-2040 across different regions).

Only 11 percent of observers believe that all regional deadlines for EV adoption are realistic, with the majority instead highlighting a raft of challenges, such as adapting to a new battery supply chain, the need for high
levels of capital investment, shortages of raw materials, and a lack of suitable infrastructure and grid capacity.

Some great strides have already been made: in China, EVs now command 21 percent of the market, while in Europe, they account for 12 percent of car sales. In
the USA, the EV market share is a more modest six percent. 2022 also saw manufacturers in the UK produce a record 234,066 battery electric (BEV), hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) electric vehicles. Combined volumes have been rising at a respectable 4.5 percent year-on-year and
now account for over 30 percent of all car manufacturing in the UK.

Maximise flexibility
Against this backdrop, one of the big questions facing vehicle makers is how to equip production facilities with the flexibility needed to succeed during the transition to EV...

Read the full article in DPA's August issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.