Abstract
Battery Developers Need to Offer Reliable Energy Storage Units
Reliability of energy storage units is a key issue concerning commercialization of hybrid
electric vehicles (HEVs) in Europe. Manufacturers need to devise batteries that offer greater
durability and have an extended life span. Currently, researchers in the automotive industry are
focusing on improving and developing advanced high-power lead acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride
batteries, lithium ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries. There is also an urgent need for
batteries with high energy density, lower manufacturing cost and a shorter recharging time. Going
forward, the challenge lies in creating batteries for HEVs that have greater peak and pulse-specific
power and a high charge acceptance in order to maximize the utilisation of regenerative braking.
This Technical Insights research evaluates the latest and upcoming trends in the European market
for electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to discussing the various technology drivers and
restraints, the study covers research and development efforts at various universities, in leading
companies and in other research institutions across the globe. Participants can identify potential
collaborators, stay ahead of competition and keep abreast with critical developments.
Growing Environmental Awareness to Spur Uptake of Hybrid Vehicles in Europe
The environmental and government authorities aim to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is
providing one of the key drivers for manufacturers to develop EVs and HEVs. "Given the strong
emphasis on CO2 reduction in the European countries, there is a growing orientation towards
lightweight, compact and fuel-efficient cars," explains the analyst of this research. "In
order to ensure profitability of the low-priced compact class cars, automobile designers are
implementing cost-cutting measures such as modular production that drastically reduces assembly
costs."
Emergent Hybrids Need to Take Guard against Competing Technologies
With increasing competition from advanced combustion conventional vehicles, manufacturers are
being pressurised to justify the cost benefits of purchasing a HEV. "In Europe, high-efficiency
diesel vehicles have demonstrated a fuel economy similar to that provided by gasoline HEVs,"
observes the analyst. "Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay a little extra for a more
fuel-efficient, high technology vehicle is therefore extremely important to drive uptake of HEVs."
In order to succeed in the European market, manufacturers need to convince prospective buyers about
the advantages of HEVs in terms of fuel efficiency, reduced pollution, functionality and driving
performance.
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