Electric vehicles are changing the car market, CNA columnist says
Changes in the automotive markets of Australia, Germany and Japan indicate intensifying competition for traditional carmakers, energy transition adviser Richard Neuman writes in a column for Channel NewsAsia. In his view, the spread of electric vehicles and the development of autonomous transport could change both car production and the ownership model.
Australia and Volkswagen
Neuman notes that battery electric vehicles have for the first time become the most popular type of powertrain in Australia. According to a survey by the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, electric car drivers are less concerned about driving range and plan more trips, while drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles take fuel prices into account. The author claims that operating electric vehicles is approximately 85% cheaper.
According to data cited in the column, Volkswagen announced plans to cut 100,000 jobs, halve its number of models by 2035, and close four plants in Germany unless alternative uses are found for them. Neuman links these decisions to the group's weaker position in the Chinese market and competition from Chinese electric vehicles in Europe.
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Japan and autonomous transport
BYD introduced the compact Racco electric vehicle in Japan in the kei car class. In Neuman’s view, the emergence of this model could push traditional Japanese carmakers towards closer cooperation or consolidation.
The author also draws attention to the Tesla Cybercab, which he describes as a vehicle designed for fully autonomous operation and equipped with cameras instead of LiDAR, radar and high-precision maps. In his view, autonomous ride services could become an alternative to private car ownership, but regulators need to review requirements for vehicles without steering wheels, pedals and mirrors.
Separately, Neuman refers to a study on the impact of London’s ultra-low emission zone. According to him, it showed a measurable effect of this zone on lung development in children and a reduction in cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
