Uncertain times
“Nine out of ten members of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN) are suppliers to the automotive sector and we have all seen the negative impact of consumer confusion when it comes to buying diesel, petrol, hybrid or electric cars.
“This uncertainty has contributed to a fall in new car sales and it doesn’t take long for that to cascade down the chain and to start hitting our turnovers. Having said that, as small firms we are probably a lot more agile to change and have decided that the move towards cleaner mobility is an opportunity, as well as a challenge.
“A lot of the OEMs are investing heavily in trying to discover the holy grail of an affordable, long-range EV car, but it is time now for government to come up with clear legislation and potentially green grants/incentives to stop the market from stagnating.
“MAN is already looking at how we can use our core design skills and ability to innovate the manufacturing process to deliver components for use in the battery, power electronics and motors – all markets that offer massive future potential.
“Tapping into the UK’s wealth of academic facilities, combined with funding channels like the APC and Innovate UK, can only be a good thing as long as they make sure the small to medium-sized manufacturers are involved in the projects.”
Rowan Crozier is CEO of Brandauer
Proactive move
“The UK government’s announcement is part of much broader international pressure, which is driving research and development funding and efforts away from internal combustion and more towards electrified technologies. We see this as a proactive move to address challenges associated with global warming by creating cleaner mobility through carbon emission reductions in transport.
“While this may be a simple answer to a complex problem, it is a powerful catalyst for UK-based organisations to establish an advantage over slower-moving international competitors. UK businesses need to adapt by exploring how they can exploit their existing core capabilities, technologies and manufacturing processes within future transport solutions.
“One example for engine parts suppliers is adapting their offer to make product for future fuel-cell systems. Academic institutions are well positioned to support the supply chain in this transition with cutting-edge research and focused skills training.”
Simon Shepherd is director of the Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems at Coventry University
Cutting emissions
“The ban on typical combustion cars will drastically reduce emissions, including volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). However, electric vehicles will still produce some non-exhaust related emissions, namely particulate matter and heavy metals from brake and tyre wear, which can be harmful to health.
“In terms of buildings and engineering, filtration is geared toward a reduction in particulate matter, and assuming the same number of vehicles remain on the road – albeit EVs – concentration levels are likely to reduce but not go to zero. However, NOx, CO and volatile organic compound concentrations will likely be significantly reduced, and this is good for building occupants as most mechanically ventilated buildings do not have carbon or NOx filters.
“The other good news is that a reduction in harmful particulates will mean increased feasibility for mixed-mode or naturally ventilated buildings in densely populated areas, where pollution and noise levels currently make this difficult. Designing buildings with passive ventilation will in turn reduce energy consumption.
“One note of caution is the increase in strain on electrical infrastructure; the grid will need to be reinforced to meet the demand for EVs.”
Curtis Gubb is a consultant at Cundall
Embrace electric
“In 2019 UK car sales fell for the seventh year in a row. Falling diesel sales and environmental concerns are discouraging consumers from purchasing second cars, vehicles larger than they need or upgrading their car as soon as they used to. However, increased global awareness of climate change and the 2035 government regulations are also helping to shift the automotive industry into a new era.
“The diesel and petrol ban will force automotive giants to fully embrace the production of electric cars and use of cleaner fuels. Hyundai’s Ioniq is the industry’s first car with a choice of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with the zero-emissions Ioniq Electric delivering reduced running costs.
“Many global automotive brands are set to release new sustainable car models in the next year, such as the Mini Electric and Tesla Model Y, suggesting that the electric revolution could present the perfect opportunity to transform the automotive industry.”
Max Snegirev is an automotive recruitment specialist at VHR, and a former Formula 2 driver
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.