The electric car revolution is still in its infancy.
And like all revolutions, this one has its share of surprises.
What is perhaps most striking is the profusion of new models arriving on the market.
However, these investments are still not profitable.
Nicolas Barré takes stock of a current economic issue.
The electric car revolution is still in its infancy. And like all revolutions, this one has its share of surprises.
Each year, it's eagerly awaited, the Alix Partners firm unveils a major global study on the future of the automotive industry.
The consultants review what is in the boxes of all the manufacturers on the planet and that gives us a vision of the future that is both precise, because it is based on the concrete projects of the manufacturers, and fascinating. because this industry is in full swing.
What is perhaps most striking is the profusion of new models arriving on the market.
It gives the measure, in fact, of this revolution.
In 2020, the 25 largest manufacturers in the world already offered 330 models of plug-in cars, that is to say either 100% electric or hybrid.
In 2023, this is not fiction, it is what is really in the boxes, we will be at 535 models!
Spoiled for choice.
Another measure of this revolution, manufacturers plan to invest 330 billion euros in battery cars in the next five years, imagine, it is the equivalent of more than 15% of the GDP of France.
However, these investments are still not profitable.
This is the whole problem of this transition phase that the automotive industry is going through, forced to invest crazy sums in technology with low or even zero margins and which depend on the generosity of States. An electric city car costs on average 8,000 euros more than an equivalent thermal car: subsidies are therefore still essential but they will not last forever, especially after the Covid crisis which has drained state coffers. The charging infrastructure must also follow, but this is not the case: it is estimated that a terminal is needed for 10 electric cars in circulation but we are already beyond in Europe and the United States, according to the reports. calculations by Alix Partners experts. This means still other heavy investments. The electric revolution doesis in its infancy. But given the expenses incurred by the manufacturers, nothing will be able to stop it.