Embarking on a journey through the realms of automotive electrification, I have spent the last four months immersed in projects within the used vehicle market. Derived from my personal observations and experiences in projects and conferences from USA to Australia, this blog reflects the captivating world of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the effect on human behaviour to handle change.

Join me as we delve into four humble observations from the reluctance to learn from history, the increasing knowledge gap, the tendency to follow common assumptions and hesitation to focus on fundamentals.

 “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Over the past decade, Europe has sold around 5 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with over 30 countries actively supporting electrification. However, mistakes were made due to various reasons, like the involvement of different lobby groups or changing governments, leading to financial losses and delays in implementation.

Latecomers to the EV movement, such as the United States and Australia, have a golden opportunity to learn from Europe’s mistakes. By studying Europe’s experience, they can avoid costly errors and expedite the adoption of electric vehicles in their own markets.

Latecomers also benefit from the advancements made by service providers in the remarketing industry. These providers have thrived in the European electrification wave, offering superior technology and support. This gives them an advantage during the initial stages of electrification.

It’s astonishing to see history repeating itself. I recently highlighted at a conference in Sydney how Sweden abruptly halted incentives for EVs, only to learn weeks later that a similar event occurred in Victoria, Australia. This failure to learn from history has consequences.

The quote “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it” holds true in the EV industry. Mistakes made by European countries serve as cautionary tales. Learning from past experiences, successes, and failures is crucial for smoother EV adoption.

Countries must share knowledge and collaborate to prevent repeating past mistakes. Open dialogue and information exchange can expedite progress and ensure a sustainable future for EVs worldwide.

 “The knowledge gap has never been so big as in electrification.”

The knowledge gap in the automotive industry, specifically in the field of electrification, has reached unprecedented levels. As the industry transitions towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and new technologies, there is a growing need for information and expertise. This has led to a surge in people seeking knowledge through various mediums such as blogs, podcasts, reports and conferences.

At the Conference of Automotive Remarketing held in Las Vegas in March, electrification took centre stage in most panels and expert sessions. The participants raised numerous questions and highlighted the tasks that needed to be accomplished in this new era of automotive technology. However, despite the active discussions, there seemed to be a lack of concrete answers. Many questions remained unanswered, leaving attendees eager for more information.

Through personal conversations with industry insiders, it became evident that there are individuals at the same conference, who possess a wealth of knowledge and are actively working on cutting-edge solutions. Understandably, these experts cannot divulge all the details of their competitive advantage, as it is a crucial aspect of their success. Therefore, it is imperative for the industry to recognize the importance of education in the electrification roadmap.

To bridge the knowledge gap, automotive associations and industry stakeholders must prioritize educational initiatives. It is not only crucial to comprehend the magnitude of the changes brought about by electrification but also to understand the tools and technologies being developed. By equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, the industry can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and drive innovation.

“Don’t become a prisoner of common assumptions in the automotive industry”

In a rapidly evolving automotive industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on common assumptions. With the advent of electrification and autonomous vehicles, keeping up with all the latest advancements can be a daunting task. However, it’s crucial to recognize that no individual can be an expert in every aspect of automotive technology. We each have our areas of expertise, and acknowledging our limitations is the first step toward embracing new possibilities.

Unfortunately, some people are quick to make statements and form opinions based on these common assumptions. They may believe that their current knowledge or experiences accurately reflect the entire landscape of automotive innovation. This mindset can hinder progress and prevent us from exploring the full potential of emerging technologies.

Instead of surfing on these negative assumptions, we should have faith in the power of evolution within the automotive industry. Every day, engineers and researchers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They are working tirelessly to develop more efficient electric drivetrains, advanced safety systems, and seamless connectivity features. The next generation of vehicles, with enhanced performance, longer range, and increased autonomy, is already within our reach.

To challenge these common assumptions, we can look back at the history of automotive development. When the first motorized vehicle drove through the streets of major cities, sceptics could have easily dismissed it, citing the lack of proper infrastructure. However, they failed to recognize that innovation drives change. Over time, roads were built, fuelling stations were established, and an entire ecosystem evolved to support the widespread adoption of automobiles.

Similarly, in today’s electrified automotive world, we may face challenges such as charging infrastructure limitations or concerns about range anxiety. However, it’s important to maintain an open mind and have confidence in the industry’s ability to overcome these obstacles. Just as the necessary infrastructure developed to support conventional vehicles, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to expand, making range anxiety less of a concern.

“Fundamentals are critical, but don’t impress enough”

Working in the automotive industry for many years, I’ve come to terms with the phenomenon that not everyone focuses on the right things. Don’t get me wrong, many people are doing the correct actions to drive the desired results while others focus mainly on impressing senior management with innovative or new concepts, which often is nothing more than repackaging what has been done before.

This issue can also arise in the world of electrification. Every stakeholder, whether it’s a car manufacturer or a governmental body, needs to “score” and showcase their achievements. It’s a delicate balance to maintain, ensuring that we do the right thing while also meeting the expectations of those who demand tangible impact. Unfortunately, the basics such as skills, knowledge, and tools often don’t score well on the impact scale. We tend to focus on creating catchy headlines that work well with senior management or our followers.

However, it is crucial not to overlook the fundamentals. While they may not immediately grab attention or impress others, they are the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without a solid understanding of the basics, innovative ideas and concepts may lack the substance needed for long-term success. Mystery shopping both in new and used car world has proven there is an issue in the field.

We’ve explored the captivating world of automotive electrification and its impact on human behaviour throughout this blog. From learning from history to bridging the knowledge gap, challenging common assumptions, and emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, we’ve delved into crucial aspects of embracing change in electrification.