E-car crisis not over
The change in the automotive industry towards electric drives is in full swing. This is currently also evident at the IAA international automobile fair in Munich. But there is currently still a massive stone in the way of the triumphant advance of e-cars, because practically nothing works without chips.
We have recently reported on the major problems of electric cars: Comparatively high prices, incomplete charging infrastructure and CO2-polluted electricity mix, to name just a few. But the manufacturers also have to struggle with the replenishment of one of the most important components: the The automotive industry is hit by a semiconductor shortage.
BMW and Mercedes: Chip shortages hit e-car production
The situation at the chip manufacturers is still critical, say experts from the management consultancy PwC (source: daily News). In the face of irregular, short-term production downtimes one has to question the plans of the automakers to produce again in the third and fourth quarters in larger numbers.
At Mercedes (Daimler) and BMW you can also see the challenges, but are optimistic. “I think the basic one Tension in the supply chains for the next six to twelve months will last, ”said BMW boss Oliver Zipse at the beginning of the IAA.
His industry colleague Ola Källenius, CEO at Daimler, assumes that the global demand for semiconductor chips will also be higher than the production capacities in the coming year. He does not expect relaxation until 2023 at the earliest.
The management consultants are more skeptical about the recovery of the semiconductor market: It takes about two years to expand production capacities and five to build new factories. In addition: The The automotive industry is by no means the only customer. Practically all electronics manufacturers are affected, as the scarcity of the PlayStation 5 shows.
We have common misconceptions about e-cars in Video summarized:
What does this mean for e-car customers?
When the automakers lack the components, they are forced to shut down production, it fewer cars will be built, whether with an electric motor or a combustion engine. New car buyers may then have to wait longer for the cars they have ordered.
In addition, the industry is suffering from falling sales figures, Short-time work or lost shifts are the consequences. The used car market has not yet been affected, as production losses would only arrive here much later. However, used e-cars are still a rarity anyway.
