This paper will focus on the e-mobility and the evolution of electric vehicles and discuss environmental issues that are closely connected to the green movement. First a brief overview of the environmental aspects, related to the topic mentioned will be given. There will be a discussion not only on those aspects on a national level but also on a European and global level. Furthermore, this text will deal with the technology of the e-mobility and focus on exploring which economic, environmental and political aspects are connected with e-mobility and environmental concerns in Germany. Additionally, an international comparison between Germany and France, and Germany and the USA will be made; to enable the reader to know where these countries stand concerning sales of electric vehicles, political action and infrastructure of e-mobility.
Over the past 40 years one can observe an evolution of “environmental concern” in several areas. This transition is called an evolution from environmentalism to green. There is a shift from emphasizing environmental problems to the underlying problems with our social, economic, technical or legal system. Further, the geographical focus changes from local problems to global issues. There has been a gradual change in the attitude towards business. From the business as the core of the problem to the business as a part of the solution to problems can be observed as well.
From a marketing point of view one can observe the emerging importance of green awareness in the media during the late 80s. It is argued that a change in consumption behaviour of consumers led to the reaction of the producers. Moreover, since the early 1990s, more than 85% of the multinational companies in Europe have adapted themselves to this green movement by changing their way of production. In this connection, not just specific sectors in the European economy have been affected by this adjustment process, but almost every line of businesses. Technological change is denoted as a possible solution to some negative environmental effects. In the same context it is added that new technologies also may introduce new environmental issues, such that the strategic management towards sustainability became increasingly important.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Energy efficiency and current technology of e-mobility
2.1 Energy efficiency on an Global, European and German level
2.2 Electric cars and the today’s powertrain portfolio
3 Different perspectives to look on the German automotive industry
3.1 Economic Perspective
3.2 Environmental Perspective
3.3 Political Perspective
4 Rolling up the field from behind?
4.1 Comparison with France
4.2 Comparison with USA
5 Criticism and Conclusion
6 Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This seminar paper investigates why Germany, despite its status as a global leader in the automotive industry, is lagging behind in the transition to energy-efficient electric vehicles. The primary goal is to analyze the economic, environmental, and political barriers hindering the adoption of e-mobility in Germany through a comparative study with France and the USA.
- The current state of energy efficiency and e-mobility technology.
- Economic, environmental, and political perspectives on the German automotive industry.
- A comparative analysis of e-mobility market penetration in France and the USA.
- The impact of government subsidies and fiscal policy on electric vehicle adoption.
- Challenges associated with battery technology and charging infrastructure.
Excerpt from the Book
Electric cars and the today’s powertrain portfolio
Electric mobility relates to electrification of the automotive powertrain. There are several powertrain alternatives under development, with different electricity storage solutions and different drivetrain possibilities. In the last decade, Europe has gone through the initial adoption phase of electric mobility. After a research-intensive period, it is now possible to express a clearer view on the development of electric mobility. With respect to the enormous research efforts during the last decades, five different electric powertrain types have developed. For this reason, it is important to give a definition of all types of EVs. This includes plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), range-extended EVs (REEVs), battery EVs (BEVs) and fuel cell EVs (FCEVs), but excludes (conventional) hybrid EVs (HEVs) (ARF&McKinsey 2014, p. 7).
The HEV represents just one of the electric vehicle developments. It is a hybrid electric vehicle, which drives with a combustion engine and an e-motor. The HEV is a classical internal combustion engine with an electric motor (ARF&McKinsey 2014, p. 7). Furthermore the battery can be recharged by recovering braking energy. Hybrid cars will play a significant role in the near future in the transmission process towards electric cars. They will have a major positive impact on the electricity storage technology as their market share will increase rapidly in the next decades (Umweltbundesamt 2010, pp. 33).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the shifting attitudes towards environmental concerns and introduces the research focus on the evolution of e-mobility in Germany.
2 Energy efficiency and current technology of e-mobility: Discusses international environmental targets, CO2 reduction goals, and defines the various powertrain technologies utilized in modern electric vehicles.
3 Different perspectives to look on the German automotive industry: Analyzes the German automotive sector through economic, environmental, and political lenses to identify current standing and barriers.
4 Rolling up the field from behind?: Compares the German e-mobility market development and policy strategies against those of France and the United States.
5 Criticism and Conclusion: Summarizes key findings regarding the role of government subsidies and discusses future risks and opportunities for the German automotive industry.
6 Bibliography: Lists the academic and industry sources cited throughout the paper.
Keywords
E-mobility, Germany, Electric Vehicles, CO2 reduction, Energy efficiency, Automotive Industry, Sustainability, Government subsidies, Powertrain, Infrastructure, Economic policy, Environmental awareness, Innovation, BEV, PHEV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper examines the reasons why Germany, a powerhouse in global car manufacturing, has not yet achieved a leading position in the adoption and usage of energy-efficient electric vehicles.
What are the central themes discussed?
Central themes include the transition towards green technologies, the role of government policy and subsidies in market development, and the comparison of Germany's e-mobility strategy with international competitors.
What is the primary research question?
The primary question is: "Why is Germany as a global leader in the automotive industry not a global leader in the usage of energy efficient automobiles?"
What methodology does the author use?
The author employs a comparative analysis approach, contrasting German domestic market conditions and policy interventions with those in France and the USA to identify factors influencing EV adoption.
What does the main part of the paper cover?
The main part covers the technical definitions of electric powertrains, the economic and environmental justifications for e-mobility, and the specific political frameworks and challenges in Germany.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include E-mobility, Electric Vehicles, CO2 reduction, Government subsidies, and Automotive Industry.
How does the author view the role of subsidies?
The author argues that government subsidies are the primary driver for EV sales and notes that countries with higher monetary incentives, such as Norway or the Netherlands, have seen significantly higher adoption rates.
What influence does the battery industry have on the German market?
The author highlights the battery as a key technology that currently poses a competitive weakness for Germany, noting the need for greater investment in R&D to avoid reliance on external suppliers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Daniel Bierbrauer (Autor:in), Alexander Schneider (Autor:in), 2015, The automotive industry in Germany. Development of energy efficiency, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/334424
