The electric revolution creates a new, evolving ecosystem that includes utilities, charging infrastructure developers, new mobility service providers and battery manufacturers, to name a few important categories. OEMs will have to work with new players and orchestrate the ecosystem to develop a consistent offering of vehicles, services and charging experience.
For example, Daimler has created a "live replacement parts store" for the fleet of third-generation EVs. The battery storage plant is available to the energy market to supply primary balancing power. Its modular design enables the system to continuously and automatically stabilize the power grid with balancing power. This solution is an example of how batteries could be turned into an opportunity for OEMs while supporting and integrating with utilities and grid operators.
The sustainability revolution is already underway, and the initial uncertainty over whether EVs will become a key part of the mainstream global vehicle market is over. The only uncertainty to manage now is over what role manufacturers will play in this revolution. Traditional OEMs that want to lead will need to double-down now.
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