Transition to the Universe of EMobilty

The university of mobility is growing rapidly with what were drawing board concepts and ideas becoming commercial reality day-by-day.  This applies to both products and logistical systems.  Some examples are appropriate to demonstrate that when a significant need is detected in the marketplace, how rapidly the resources of both the private sector and government can be mobilized to take advantage of it.

One of the latest examples is the application of drone technology to passenger transport and last mile delivery services.   From an article from Smart Cities Dive, we see that the State of Michigan under the leadership of Governor Gretchen Whitmer is determined to make her state a leader in the emerging industry of vertical take-of/vertical landing (VTOL) aircraft.  To further development Governor Whitmer created  the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in 2020, which has fostered a number of public/private partnerships to develop the air  taxi market and provide funding  for product  development.

Companies leading the way in the air taxi industry

Two start-up companies are forging ahead with VTOL products and services that are very likely to be in commercial service across the country by 2030.

• Archer Aviation is building a manufacturing plant in Covington, Georgia and expects to be building 650 electric air taxis by 2030;
• Joby Aviation
• Boeing’s Wish Aero division is also in the game.

All the above have major corporation partners:  Archer Aviation and its major partners, Stellantis and United Airlines, along with Joby Aviation and its backer, Toyota Motor Corp., aim for commercial operations in the U.S. by 2026.

Cities named so far as key markets for air taxi services include New York City, Houston, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Transformation of logistical systems

Logistical systems bringing manufacturer and consumer closer together in terms of time to market have also been growing at a rapid pace.  The development of microhubs in urban and suburban environments have been in trials in various cities, including n New York and abroad in Europe.

Microhubs are localized warehouses handling a wide variety of products and, effectively, bring the factory closer to the consumer.  The last mile delivery component of the microhub system ; that is, from the microhub to the consumer’s household, could be a major opportunity for golf car-type (GCT) vehicles.

The examples here are given simply to demonstrate how rapidly new systems and technologies can take hold.

Technologies and upgrades becoming mainstream over the next 5-8 years

Here are the key technologies that can open new markets for GCT vehicles:

• Autonomous vehicle technology:  AV technology is already a key ingredient in last mile delivery vehicles and will be in ground and air taxi systems.  This will be a key technology in for GCT vehicles used in fleet and transportation services;
• Personal geofencing will allow families to map GCT vehicle use on a customized basis—a technology under development presently at Club  Car;
• Interconnectivity advances, particularly between vehicles in real time operation;
• Ubiquitous wireless charging services—drive up shopping destination, position over wireless charging plate, and charge while shopping.

What advantages do GCT vehicle manufacturers have in the emobility universe?

In embracing the universe of emobility GCT vehicle manufacturers bring to the table a number of advantages and strengths:

• Complete knowledge of electrical power systems for small, task-oriented vehicles;
• Dealer networks on a national scale, assuring parts replacement and service;
• Products already certified for as street legal;
• Bramd recognition;
• Current designs are well-suited for commercial and consumer requirements.

Alongside these advantages, are some issues that have to be overcome to fully exploit market opportunities.

Three major requirements to advancing  the industry and expanding the market

Here are five areas that could hold back market development:

Shaking off the golf course legacy

If you are a golfer, as millions are, the brand names of Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha are well known.  The “look” of a golf car is well known.  Many, probably mostly refer to these vehicles as golfcarts, rather than golfcars.  Ergo, the conclusion is that they belong on the golf course, or maybe in a limited residential area.

Mustering up a strategic vision

Josephe Scumpeter, an Austrian economist, who emigrated to the United State in 1932, fleeing the Nazis, coined the term “creative destruction” to describe the process whereby the capitalist system generated new technologies, while  in the process of destroying the older ones (that is, rendered them unprofitable in the course of market-driven competition).

The opportunities outlined in this report will take corporate leadership willing to throw off the golf legacy, use the advantages outlined above, and forge into the new markets—short distance driving and last mile delivery.

Vehicle modifications and upgrades

To fully serve the SDD and last mile delivery markets, GCT vehicles will need to be available in fully enclosed, fully weatherized models.   This will allow operations under all weather conditions and avail year-around use.  The vehicle can also be used on the golf course with appropriate tires.

Other upgrades would include the incorporation of AN autonomous driver assistance system, wireless changing capability, and  personalized geofencing.

Of course, anything  that would make the body of the vehicle stronger and more crash resistant, would be a plus.

Electronic upgrades, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi interconnections, sound system upgrades, and panel displays, all of which emulate the same features of conventional automobiles, are going to be important in developing the on-road market.

 

For more information on the SVR market analysis, Market Outlook for Golf Car-Type Vehicles Trends from 2020-2924, Forecasts to 2032—Tariff Impact and the Potential for Strong Market Growth, contact Stephen Metzger, Managing Director, Small Vehicle Resource, LLC at smetzger@smallvehiclereousrce.com or (914) 293-7577.

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Contact the Author: Steve Metzger at smetzger@smallvehicleresource.com.  Or check out our website at www.smallvehicleresource.com, where you will find an extensive database of vehicle models and can make side-by-side comparisons of vehicles based on a full set of specifications.