INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
This business opportunity study is focused on the analysis of the electric
vehicle (EV) industry in the U.S. This multi-billion dollar industry is
developing a fast growing niche in global industry. This report looks at the
distinct sectors that include the large EVs such as buses, the much-hyped
automotive passenger/fleet sector, and the world of the small EVs such as golf
carts and forklifts. Identified as a practical solution to many of the
technological problems are the hybrid vehicles that combine internal combustion
engines with alternative battery power.
The battery powered electric vehicle market is slowly developing while the
hybrid electric vehicle market could move ahead more rapidly. Fuel cell
vehicles, however, are in the prototype state and will not be a significant part
of this discussion. An important objective, therefore, is to identify what is
the most likely and seemingly most appropriate technology for each
classification of vehicle.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The study explores and identifies the market sector and the companies and
their technologies that hold the most commercial promise. There is a need for
identifying the opportunities and technological requirements of the electric
vehicle future. The electric vehicle market has been so politically driven that
it is meaningful to identify divisions of the industry that are succeeding with
the use of electrical propulsion as the most appropriate technology. Important
steps in EV battery performance in the near term (a 5-year horizon) are
increased production of the advanced batteries, improved manufacturing
processes, higher quality products, and good, or at least satisfactory,
economics.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE STUDY
The study reveals the depth and scope of the electric vehicle market with
hundreds of companies playing a role. There are some products that are cost
effective and are succeeding with the impetus of continuing governmental
mandates. The California zero emissions regulation has substantially accelerated
the development of advanced batteries. Most developers believe that an orderly,
stable program is needed to foster the introduction of EVs with advanced
batteries.
The study looks at a young industry penetrating and reaching out to other
parts of the world where overall transportation vehicle growth is expected to be
rapid. Realistically appraising the best technology for a given group of
consumers is a notable contribution. There has been, however, too much hype
generated in the media to have "one size fit" all or "one
technology for all." That is not necessarily the case. There may be gray
areas between the various technologies and vehicles under consideration, but
some significant trends are starting to emerge.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
This BCC, Inc. business opportunity study examines the large-scale electric
vehicles, the automotive EVs, the hybrid vehicles, and the small device EVs, and
looks at the major technologies for electric vehicles. The report is a guide to
the present and near-term (2005) electric vehicle market and identifies the
rolls of more than 200 companies.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Companies were contacted by letter, e-mail, or telephone in order to gain
insights and opinions. The Business Communications Co., Inc. monthly newsletter,
Battery and EV Technology, was available as an archived monthly resource
to the business and technology of electric vehicles. Those world wide web (www)
pages and Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports--where relevant--were
examined.
Data was obtained from extensive reviews of secondary sources such as trade
publications, trade associations, company literature, and available on-line
databases. This was done to supplement an understanding of applications,
markets, and trends in the electric vehicle industry. All dollar projections
presented in this report are in terms of year 2000 constant dollars.
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