Jan 02/24
5 Trends in Automotive Manufacturing: Electric Vehicle Parts
The first electric cars were produced in the 1800s, but it’s only in recent years that they’ve started to enter the market.
In the past, they were incredibly expensive and didn’t perform very well. Due to advancements in technology, however, modern electric vehicles are far more viable and are starting to appeal to a lot of buyers.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the key trends that are driving improvements in electric vehicle parts. Keep reading for more.
1. Fuel Efficient Materials
One of the main challenges that electric vehicle manufacturers have faced over the years is fuel efficiency. Lightweight materials are incredibly useful here as lighter vehicles will use less fuel.
Historically, iron and steel were among the main materials used for vehicle manufacturing. New vehicles, however, often make use of materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and performance plastics. These can meet the requirements for vehicles while reducing the weight, making them far more fuel efficient.
2. Automation and Self-Driving Vehicles
Some people aren’t fully behind self-driving vehicles as they feel that a car driving itself isn’t as safe as having a human driver. Despite that, it’s being adopted by a lot of manufacturers and will likely grow in popularity in the coming years.
Modern technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are quickly growing within the automotive industry. These are ideal for EVs, and as these continue to improve, so will the capabilities of self-driving vehicles.
3. 3D Printing
3D printing has become a very popular manufacturing method for rapid prototyping. Manufacturers can quickly produce and test EV car parts so that they can make improvements and settle on a final design.
The quality of 3D printing technology continues to improve. As such, manufacturers can produce more complex and high-quality parts. All types of vehicles rely on quality parts, so this is an ideal method of manufacturing for modern EVs.
4. Mass Customization
As the demand for EVs increases, manufacturers need to be able to produce them fast enough. At the same time, many buyers put a lot of value on personalization. EVs can stand out, but with more on the road, a lot of users want theirs to be unique.
Mini and Ferrari both already allow buyers to customize every element of their vehicles. More manufacturers will follow suit in the future, making use of additive technologies to produce unique cars in small volumes without excessive costs.
5. Connectivity
Many modern vehicles have internet connectivity that allows them to communicate with the surrounding environment. Car manufacturers are starting to think more like software companies to improve their integrations.
Infotainment systems, wireless communication, and driver assistance functions are all becoming more common. These technologies can provide useful information for EVs and may even be able to improve their efficiency through data analysis.
The Future of Electric Vehicle Parts
EVs continue to become more viable and affordable, so their use will only increase in the future. Modern technology makes the production of electric vehicle parts easier, and manufacturers continue to provide better options as time goes by.
Mayco International is a global Tier 1 automotive supplier. Since 2006 we’ve been using the latest technologies, materials, and concepts to provide the best parts for our clients. Take a look at our services page to find out more.