During the week of September 20^th, automotive industry professionals and car enthusiasts attended Motor Bella, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, which was a stopgap for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The last time the NAIAS took place was January 2019 in Detroit, Michigan—NAIAS was cancelled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the outdoor automotive festival, automakers showcased many electric vehicles (EVs). Manufacturers have been increasingly investing in EVs to meet stringent CO₂ emission regulations, and because advances in battery technology have enable longer driving ranges and accelerated vehicle charging times, EV adoption by consumers is increasing. As a result, the global EV market is projected to be worth $2.5 billion USD by 2027.  

Electric vehicles take center stage

During Motor Bella, you could get behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang Mach-E or an Audi e-tron and test drive these vehicles. Also, at the Ford display you could experience first-hand the quiet acceleration of the Mustang Mach-E.

Ford also showcased the all-electric F-150 Lightning, featuring near instant torque and intelligent towing to seamless connectivity and software updates. The F-150 Lightning will roll off the assembly line next year at a new high-tech factory using sustainable manufacturing practices at Ford’s Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The F-150 Lightning is a pillar of the company’s more than $22 billion global electric vehicle plan. And just one day after Motor Bella concluded, Ford announced that it plans to bring electric vehicles at scale to American customers with two new environmentally and technologically advanced campuses in Tennessee and Kentucky that will produce the next generation of electric F-Series trucks and the batteries to power future electric Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

At the General Motors’ display, the GMC Hummer EV SUV with an Ultium battery platform chassis was showcased. It is loaded with smart technology, including an enhanced version of Super Cruise11, an available driver-assistance technology offering hands-free driving on more than 200,000 miles (approximately 322,000 km) of roads. Production on the Hummer SUV will begin in early 2023 at Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck, a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to electric vehicle production. GM will offer 30 all-electric models globally by mid-decade and 40% of the company’s U.S. models offered will be battery electric vehicles by the end of 2025.

The Stellantis display featured the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, featuring a charging station attached to solar panels. The Wrangler 4xe marks the arrival of the most capable, technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion. Jeep will offer electrification options on each nameplate in the next few years as it strives to become a leader in eco-friendly premium technology. Plus, the brand is partnering with Electrify America to create the Jeep 4xe Charging Network—Jeep-branded EV charging stations are being installed at or near the trailheads of Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trails.

Let Envalior support your EV component manufacturing needs

It is evident that the future of the automotive industry is quickly changing—manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly investing in the technology and advanced materials needed for EV systems and components, such as thermal management systems, next-gen EV charging plugs, ADAS and more. Let our global services teams support all your EV part manufacturing needs, and help you pursue growth opportunities within the EV market.

Contact us today or visit Plastics Finder to learn more.