The US government announced to invest $5 billion in a national EV charging network for the latest sustainable business wave sweeping over the automotive industry.
Additionally, General Motors also announced they're investing $7 billion in EVs, as well as building a battery plant in the US.
Gartner researchers have been predicting shipments of electric vehicles, battery-electric as well as plug-in hybrid, will increase at a CAGR of 26% to reach 36 million units by 2030.
But to make good on the automotive industry's commitment to sustainability, the entire supply chain, starting with manufacturing through infrastructure and recycling – needs to be entirely reconsidered and restructured.
"EVs are transforming the concept of mobility in society. Automotive suppliers are committed to sustainable business models through the entire product lifecycle, including batteries. As carbon-free operations become table stakes, leaders will stand out by applying their deep industry expertise and advanced technologies to champion sustainable, ethical practices as a new business model for many industries," said Thomas Pohl, senior director of marketing at SAP.
Electric vehicles are starting to erradicate traditional industry boundaries across the automotive supply chain in new ways because they have the ability to collect a significant amount of data.
Retailers are able to offer discounts to shoppers as they charge their car onsite and additionally, EVs can operate as virtual power plants utilizing solar power as a renewable alternative.