BMW announced at an event in Munich that the auto manufacturer will make 25 electric vehicles available to consumers. The company originally indicated that it would take until 2025 to achieve this, however, it has since indicated it will hit the goal by 2023. The company has indicated that its flexible architecture will help the company hit its goal.
Self-reliance is the reason for the company's flexibility since BMW makes its own electrical components it doesn't need rely on outside sources for electric parts. Notably, it does not implement rare earth magnets in its electric motors. This can help the company protect itself from potential tariffs, as most rare earth metals come from China.
Despite the company pushing to release 25 electric vehicles, it doesn't believe the technology can be adapted for all automotive needs. The company's CTO, Klaus Fröhlich, notes that certain industries like trucking will continue to rely on conventional fuel.
Automotive Sustainability Initiatives
BMW Will Have 25 Electric Vehicles on The Market by 2023
Trend Themes
1. Electric Vehicle Expansion - BMW's plan to release 25 electric vehicles by 2023 signals the trend of automakers expanding their electric vehicle offerings.
2. Flexible Automotive Architecture - BMW's flexible architecture demonstrates the trend of automakers developing versatile platforms to accommodate electric vehicle production.
3. Decoupling From Rare Earth Metals - BMW's decision to avoid using rare earth magnets in its electric motors reflects the trend of companies aiming for self-reliance and mitigating potential supply chain disruptions.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - The automotive manufacturing industry can explore opportunities in developing flexible architectures and expanding electric vehicle product lines.
2. Clean Energy - The clean energy industry can capitalize on the electric vehicle expansion trend by providing sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure for charging networks.
3. Supply Chain Management - The supply chain management industry can innovate by developing alternative sourcing strategies and reducing reliance on rare earth metals to address potential disruptions in the supply chain.