Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Europe

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

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.

Table of Contents

• 1. Executive Summary and Methodology
  • 1. Executive Summary
    • 1. Highlights of the Study
    • 2. Applications Analysis
  • 2. Methodology and Scope
    • 1. Methodology
    • 2. Scope
• 2. Technology Briefing
  • 1. A Primer on the Various Technologies
    • 1. Battery Electric Vehicles
    • 2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles
    • 3. Fuel Cell Vehicles
    • 4. Ultracapacitors
  • 2. Environmental and Government Regulations
    • 1. Alternative Energy Vehicles and the Environment
    • 2. Regulation and Tax Incentives in Europe
• 3. Adoption Accelerators and Challenges
  • 1. Adoption Accelerators and Restraints
    • 1. Technology Adoption Accelerators
      • a. Pace of Technology Development
      • b. Increasing Fuel Prices Could Drive Demand
      • c. EVs and HEVs Contribute to the Reduction of Emissions and will Help Meet Future CO2 Regulations
    • 2. Growth Barriers
      • a. Financial constraints hamper the growth of EV/HEV production
      • b. Perception of electric and hybrid vehicles as niche items
      • c. Profusion of information is leading to confusion among buyers
  • 2. Technology and Applications Challenges
    • 1. Applications-Based Challenges
      • a. Developing Reliable Energy Storage Units
      • b. Threat from Substitute Technologies
      • c. Developing Cost Competitive HEVs
      • d. Obtaining Support from Governments
    • 2. Technology-Based Challenges
• 4. The Innovation Frontier: European Developments in Hybrid Vehicle Research
  • 1. Developments in Research Institutes
    • 1. High-Energy EDLC R&D for Hybrid Vehicle Fuel Saving
    • 2. Hybrid Controller for Real-Time Load Control
    • 3. Better VRLA Batteries for Hybrid Vehicles
    • 4. Plastic Crystal-Salt Matrix for Use in Batteries
    • 5. Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
    • 6. A New Hybrid Vehicle Control Strategy
    • 7. A New Series Hybrid Powertrain Controller
  • 2. Developments in Company Laboratories
    • 1. Hybrid Vehicle Technology at DaimlerChrysler
    • 2. Kinetic Energy Storage System Technology
    • 3. Epcos Efforts in Hybrid Vehicle Development
    • 4. A Bipolar Lead-Acid Battery
• 5. The Innovation Frontier: European Developments in Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicle Research
  • 1. Developments in Research Institutes
    • 1. A Cheaper Lead-Acid Battery
    • 2. Dynamical Simulation Models for Electrochemical Power Sources
    • 3. Fuel Power Management System
    • 4. Load Hydrogen High But Store It Low
    • 5. Direct Wheel Drive System in Advanced Vehicle
  • 2. Developments in Company Laboratories
    • 1. Modeling of Fuel Cell Vehicles
    • 2. A Novel Lithium-Ion Battery
    • 3. New Alanate Material for Hydrogen Storage
    • 4. Converting Biomass to Hydrogen for Automobiles
    • 5. DaimlerChrysler Reaches 100 Fuel Cell Vehicle Target
• 6. Industry Activity and Our Verdict
  • 1. Industry Activity
    • 1. Activity in the EV/HEV Realm
    • 2. Activity in the FCV Real
  • 2. Frost & Sullivans Verdict
    • 1. Competitive Strategy and Landscape
    • 2. Verdict on Battery Electric Vehicles
    • 3. Verdict on Hybrid Electric Vehicles
    • 4. Verdict on Fuel Cell Vehicles
• 7. Patents and Contact Details
  • 1. Analysis of Patents for EU-based Companies
    • 1. Patents in the EV/HEV Realm
    • 2. Patents in the FCV Realm
  • 2. Contact Details
    • 1. Contact Details
    • 2. Research Legend
• 8. Frost & Sullivan 2005 Science and Technology Awards
  • 1. Excellence in Technology
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
  • 2. Technology Leadership
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
• 9. Critical Reference Tables
  • 1. Decision Support Database
    • 1. Total Car Production (Units) by Region and by Country 1996-2004
    • 2. Total Car Sales Worldwide (Units) by Region and by Country 1996-2004
    • 3. Total Bus Production (Units) Worldwide by Region and by Country 1996-2004
    • 4. Total Number of Buses in Use Worldwide by Region and by Country 1996-2004
    • 5. Total Number of Vehicles in Operation Worldwide by Region and by Country 1996-2004
    • 6. Total Number of Trucks in Use Worldwide by Region and by Country 1996-2004

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