Cheaper, better batteries to drive EV growth

AUTOMOTIVE technology giant Robert Bosch predicts new-generation batteries will deliver twice as much energy density for half the cost within five years.

It says this will drive global growth in electrified vehicle sales, with about 15 per cent of all vehicles built worldwide to have at least a hybrid powertrain by 2025.

In Australia, the company expects a similar level of electrified vehicle take-up, with Bosch Australia president Gavin Smith saying annual sales of hybrid and electric vehicles will become “significant” from 2020.

“With this outlook, it is becoming increasingly important for Australia to ensure that new buildings are designed and constructed so that they are better able to cater for the re-charging needs of these vehicles in the future, without the need for major works, as is already the case in many overseas countries,” he said.

Last year in Australia, car buyers took delivery of 1130 electric vehicles and 11,950 hybrids – a total of 13,080 electrified vehicles. This equates to about 1.1 per cent of the market.

Last week in Germany, Robert Bosch chairman Volkmar Denner told a car symposium that electric vehicle production was picking up despite low oil prices.

He said advances in battery technology would be the key to lower vehicle prices, driving battery-equipped vehicle sales to 15 per cent of production by 2025.

“By 2020, batteries will deliver twice as much energy density for half the present cost,” he said.

Mr Denner said electrification of vehicles would deliver greater fuel economy and new levels of driving enjoyment.

“With electric support, the combustion engines of the future will consume significantly less fuel and be even cleaner,” he said. “And the additional torque from the electric motor will add new levels of driving enjoyment.

“Moreover, falling battery prices will make hybrids considerably more affordable.”

These cars will not only be more affordable but also easier to charge, thanks to a phone app from Bosch Software Innovations.

The app is designed to locate and reserve charging points from a range of providers that until now have required a customer card for each system.

“Now all drivers need is a smartphone, the app, and a PayPal account to recharge their vehicle anywhere,” Bosch says.