The trend globally is toward sustainable mobility. Countries all over the world are reworking their policies and adjusting their lifestyles to support more sustainable practices. This trend, coupled with the increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles, is transforming automotive design and manufacturing. In fact, most carmakers agree that the next 10 years will bring more change to the industry than the previous 20 years. And this year, 2025, would be the next tipping point.
By 2025, electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles will make up 30% of all vehicle sales globally, which is a great leap from the 1% sales globally in 2016.
Plans to replace all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric ones are already underway in many countries. Nigeria set a target for 2060. The electric vehicle revolution is no longer a distant dream. It is a present reality, and Africa is ready to play a role in shaping its future
The following are the technologies at the cutting edge of EV manufacturing, driving efficiency and sustainability.
Advancements in Battery Technology
Battery technology is at the heart of EV design and development, given that it directly impacts a vehicle’s range. As the demand for cleaner and more efficient transportation grows, advancements in battery materials and designs are making EVs more practical, affordable, and eco-friendly.
Lithium-Ion Batteries:
The Current Standard
Today, lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used in EVs because they offer high energy storage and durability. However, researchers are constantly working to improve them. For example, using silicon in the battery’s anode or developing solid-state electrolytes could boost energy capacity, shorten charging times, and make batteries safer.
Solid-State Batteries: The Next Big Leap
One of the most exciting breakthroughs coming is solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use a solid material. This change could lead to batteries that store more energy, charge faster, and are less likely to overheat or catch fire. Companies like Toyota and QuantumScape are leading the charge, with solid-state batteries expected to hit the market in the coming years.
Recycling and Second-Life Solution
As more EVs hit the road, the need for sustainable battery disposal and reuse becomes critical. New recycling methods are being developed to extract valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from old batteries, reducing the need for new mining and supporting a circular economy. Also, used EV batteries are finding new life in energy storage systems. For example, Porsche AG, a German carmaker, recently developed a 5-MW energy storage system from used vehicle batteries.
Gigacasting and Modular Platforms
Auto giants such as Tesla are using gigacasting to streamline production and reduce manufacturing costs. Gigacasting is a technique that uses massive presses to create large, single-piece components for vehicle frames. This approach minimizes the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and enhances structural integrity. Additionally, modular platforms, such as Volkswagen’s MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix), allow manufacturers to produce multiple EV models on a single platform, optimizing economies of scale and accelerating time-to-market.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving
Another promising technology we are all excited about is the advanced driver-assistant system (ADAS). As the name implies, ADAS are like intelligent assistants for EV drivers, helping them navigate tortuous roads. These ADAS, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated parking, are now standard in many EVs. Also, autonomous driving technology is advancing rapidly, with companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise taking the lead. These autonomous systems use AI, machine learning, and sophisticated sensor arrays (LiDAR, radar, and cameras) to enable self-driving capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience for users.
Wireless Charging and Bidirectional Charging
Wireless charging and bidirectional charging technology are both promising technologies emerging as important steps forward in the EV revolution.
Bidirectional charging, also known as two-way charging, is an innovative technique that allows electric vehicle batteries to not only draw power from the grid but also send energy back to it or other devices. Also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, bidirectional charging makes it possible for EVs to feed energy back into the grid, power homes, or devices during outages. This innovation fully enhances the utility of EVs and also supports grid stability and renewable energy integration. Wireless charging, on the other hand, eliminates the need for physical cables in EV charging systems, which gives a more convenient and user-friendly experience. Companies like WiTricity are developing inductive charging pads that can be installed in parking spaces or garages.
Lightweight Materials and Aerodynamic Design
to Enhance Vehicle Efficiency and Range
One of the biggest challenges to electric vehicle adoption, especially in emerging markets like Africa, is range anxiety. Unlike their ICE counterparts, EV makers have taken the approach of using lightweight materials like aluminum, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, and magnesium alloys in EV manufacturing. These materials reduce the overall weight of the vehicle without compromising strength or safety. Aerodynamic design is also a key focus area. In this approach, manufacturers employ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize vehicle shapes and minimize drag. For example, Tesla’s Cybertruck and Lucid Air are notable for their sleek, aerodynamic profiles.
AI-Driven Manufacturing and Digital Twins
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in modernizing EV manufacturing processes. AI-driven systems are being used for predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization. Digital twin technology, which creates virtual replicas of physical assets, enables manufacturers to simulate and optimize production lines before implementation. This reduces downtime, improves efficiency, and ensures higher product quality. Starting in 2025, the use of AI and digital twins will become mainstream in EV manufacturing.
Currently, the African EV market is in its infancy, but it is growing rapidly. A report by Mordor Intelligence projects that the African EV market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% between 2021 and 2026. And this year the continent is expected to see a significant increase in EV adoption, driven by government policies, private sector investments, and growing consumer awareness.
For EV entrepreneurs and stakeholders, staying ahead of the curve in EV manufacturing is critical. It enables us to adopt the best and latest technologies and integrate them into our own products and manufacturing processes and maybe gain competitive advantage.
NEV Motors’ efforts underscore Africa’s potential to leverage its vast renewable energy resources and growing tech-savvy population to drive sustainable mobility. NEV Motors is helping to ensure that Africa is not left behind in the EV revoluti
