UK unveils plans for emission-free cars.
The Automotive Council UK recently launched the much-anticipated roadmaps for 2024, shedding light on the industry trends and innovations crucial for achieving zero-emissions vehicles. The venture, spearheaded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), brings together over 230 diverse organisations ranging from vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers to consultants, academics, and governmental bodies.
Within these roadmaps lies a comprehensive exploration of four overarching themes that have a profound impact on the technology landscape. These themes, identified by the APC, include policy and regulation, energy and infrastructure, manufacturing, and digitalisation. Each theme plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of technological progress in the automotive industry.
One of the key highlights of the roadmaps is the emphasis on building supply chain resilience across the automotive value chain, particularly for strategic technologies and powertrain solutions. Additionally, the roadmaps underscore the importance of reducing reliance on rare-earth elements and critical materials through the implementation of circularity principles.
Another crucial aspect highlighted in the roadmaps is the need to infuse accessibility and affordability into the design of zero-emission vehicles. This entails optimising vehicle efficiency, enhancing battery performance, and fostering improved connectivity across various transport modes.
Dr Hadi Moztarzadeh, Head of Technology Trends at the APC, remarked that the integration of green energy sources into mass transit solutions and logistical fleet operations is a significant driver of recent change. He emphasised the pivotal role of smart energy innovations, policy advancements, and legislative frameworks in catalysing the transition towards sustainable and net-zero transport solutions globally.
In response to the evolving landscape, the roadmaps for 2024 introduce two system-level strategies, namely the Mobility of People (MoP) and the Mobility of Goods (MoG). These strategies offer a holistic perspective on the role of automotive products in the broader transport ecosystem and aid in strategic decision-making in these critical sectors.
Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director at APC, highlighted the roadmaps as a culmination of years of collaboration, serving as an indispensable guide towards a net-zero future. He underscored the importance of key areas such as electrification, digitalisation, and advanced manufacturing, while acknowledging the pressing challenges related to supply chain resilience, regulatory alignment, and energy sector integration in an increasingly interconnected world.
As the automotive industry navigates towards a sustainable future, these roadmaps serve as a compass, guiding stakeholders towards key milestones, opportunities, and challenges that lie ahead. With a shared vision of achieving a net-zero future, stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive innovation, foster resilience, and harmonise regulatory frameworks for a greener automotive and transport ecosystem.
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