Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) is in early talks with the German government about potentially establishing a plant in the country, according to a senior executive.

Various factors, including government subsidies, customer demand and the talent pool, would influence its final decision, TSMC senior vice president of Europe and Asia sales Lora Ho (何麗梅) told reporters on the sidelines of a technology forum in Taipei.

The discussions come as the EU and others seek to increase domestic chip production to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions.

The chipmaker has not discussed incentives with Berlin or decided on a location, Ho said.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu (劉德音) in June told shareholders that the Hsinchu-based company had begun assessments on setting up manufacturing operations in the European country.

The world’s largest contract chipmaker, which mostly produces domestically, has started to diversify over the past year to help meet demand in various major countries seeking to bolster domestic semiconductor production out of national security and self-sufficiency concerns.

It is building a US$12 billion facility in Arizona and is set to soon start construction of a US$7 billion plant in Japan.

Meanwhile, the EU said it would unveil the “European Chips Act” in the first half of next year as part of its strategy to boost semiconductor production.

One of the goals would be to account for 20 percent of global production by 2030, the bloc said.

Source: Taipei Times; Bloomberg and Reuters                      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Continuing a theme that has been developing since early 2020, supply chain frailties and sourcing shortfalls are driving plans for localized production facilities across the globe.  Semiconductors are at the center of the discussion.  The causes of the current shortage in the automotive industry, ranging from natural and man-made disasters to channel diversions and everything in between, have made it clear that local production is not only beneficial, but also essential, as new technologies continue to take root and grow in the world markets. 

Port congestion, labor shortages, power outages and political conflicts are impacting the movement of goods and materials.  Regional semiconductor production facilities like TSMC’s Europe facility being discussed will take time to build and will still face many of the same challenges which exist in current locations: raw material acquisition, skilled labor hiring, environmental certification, domestic transportation bottlenecks and water resource management. 

Despite these challenges, the benefits of a diversified supply chain for these key components will offer greater opportunity for the long-term implementation of technologies need to expand alternative energy vehicles, autonomous drive capabilities and myriad other factors which will be required for smart cities of the future.

Moreover, from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective, the chance exists to reduce some of the carbon footprint associated with semiconductor production, and possible develop meaningful recycling plans that can be managed regionally, whether in Europe or in other areas.  PSR

Erik Martin is Director, Asia Region, for Power Systems Research

Semiconductors help power everything from your phone to your car. Here’s what to know about the major supply chain problem.

There are chips in nearly everything electric you own, from your phone to your computer to your car. There are even chips in items you wouldn’t expect, such as your washing machine, electric toothbrush, and refrigerator. But these tiny parts that power so much of our lives are now in critically short supply.

“Right now we have a global supply chain in crisis,” says Patrick Penfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University. “We’ve just never ever seen anything of this magnitude impact us before.”

What are these chips?

These chips are the lifeblood of modern society, but even before the pandemic, demand for them exceeded supply. This year, economist Rory Green called semiconductors “the new oil,” pointing out that Taiwan and Korea control the lion’s share of chip production today.

But while these chips were an American invention, the number of US manufacturers currently creating them has declined severely. In 1990, 37% of chips were made in America, says James Lewis, senior vice president and director of CSIS’s Strategic Technologies Program. By 2020, that number was only 12%.

What is the chip shortage?

As the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many factories closed at the same time, making the supplies needed for chip manufacturing unavailable for months. Increased demand for consumer electronics caused shifts that rippled up the supply chain.

Orders began to pile up as manufacturers struggled to create enough chips to meet the new levels of demand. A backlog began to grow and grow and grow.

Car companies, like Ford, have to predict the amount of chips they will need to produce their cars and order them in advance from one of the chip manufacturers. As of now, it can take at least half of a year for a chip order to come in, says Penfield. The current demand for chips is so great that manufacturers can’t make enough chips to meet it at this time, meaning consumers will soon be seeing higher prices for fewer goods.

But the issue wasn’t just with manufacturing. As COVID made its way through Asia, ports shut down, sometimes for months. Some 90% of the world’s electronics go through China’s Yantian port, and it was recently closed, leaving hundreds of container ships waiting to dock.

What caused the chip shortage?

Bad decisions by the auto industry also added to the shortage. When COVID started, many companies canceled their orders for chips because they assumed the economy was about to take a lengthy hit, says Lewis​​. Car companies in particular cancelled orders, so chip companies switched to making chips for consumer products, attempting to meet the explosive demand caused by the pandemic. Having retooled their plants to make chips for consumer goods instead of cars, a shortage of car chips ensued.

There aren’t many chip manufacturing plants in the world, and the few that were running during the pandemic were subject to a series of unlucky weather events that delayed the manufacturing process further.

Japan’s Renesas plant, which creates almost one-third of the chips used in cars around the world, was severely damaged by a fire, while winter storms in Texas forced some of America’s only chip plants to halt production. Producing these chips also requires a lot of water, and severe drought in Taiwan has also affected production.

Does China play a role?

While geopolitical concerns are not the main cause of this chip shortage, one ongoing concern is Taiwan’s tense relationship with China. Taiwan is the world’s leading chip producer, and the theoretical possibility of war between China and Taiwan puts American access to the chip industry in potential jeopardy and could be catastrophic for many industries that would be unable to get the chips they rely on.

“China is deeply tempted to just seize Taiwan,” says Lewis. “The Chinese are desperate to have their own chip industry. It’s become a focal point for the competition between the US and China.”

American chip manufacturer Intel has announced plans to scale up their chip production, while ​​Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Samsung eye locations for the American factories they plan to build. But while these plans are promising, it will take years before these factories can ramp up their production levels.

What are the effects of the shortage?

The auto industry is getting hit hard, with estimates saying US manufacturers will make at least 1.5 to 5 million fewer cars this year. Ford and General Motors have already limited production. Tesla revised its own software to support alternative chips to maintain its production levels.

When will the issue be resolved?

Opinions on when the shortage will end vary. The CEO of chipmaker STMicro estimated that the shortage will end by early 2023. The CEO of automaker Stellantis said that the shortage “is going to drag into ’22, easy.” Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger said the shortage could last two more years.

“We’ve probably got about nine, 10 months of this to live through,” says Lewis. “If you can afford to wait, prices will go down.”

Source: Popular Science (By Shira Feder)                  Read The Article

PSR Analysis: PSR has devoted considerable time the past 12 months to examining the fragility of the global supply chain.  We have addressed the topic in webinars, podcasts, and PowerTALK articles as well as in the quarterly Update Bulletins we send to our data license subscribers. 

A central topic in the supply chain issue is the severe shortage of semiconductors.  In this article, Shira Feder has provided an excellent overview of the issues facing the automotive industry, as well as all industries which now depend on microchips to function.  Citing a combination of lagging demand due to COVID, misfortune, sheer bad luck, poor planning, geopolitical factors and disasters – both man-made and natural, this article reenforces the need to diversify supply chains. 

As fleet electrification expands and autonomous drive technologies progress, the demand for microchips will intensify.  Two geographically small countries which punch well above their weight class – Taiwan and South Korea – will continue to be key players moving forward.  The US has done well to engage both in working to find solutions, but these will take time to realize.  All the more reason for governments to examine what they need to do to either develop manufacturing at home or develop and maintain close relationships with stable and reliable partners. PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region, for Power Systems Research

TAIPEI–The acquisition of a 60.5% stake in ENGIE EPS by Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC) was finalized and completed in July.

The deal, which was announced in April, saw the Italy-headquartered stationary storage and e-mobility solutions subsidiary of French multinational Engie taken over by TCC subsidiary Taiwan Cement Europe Holdings.

What both parties get out of the deal

In a press release, TCC said it has now become a “major player” in electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as its newly acquired capabilities in building large-scale battery storage systems and microgrids.

To date, ENGIE EPS / NHOA has completed 300MWh of energy storage installations and has 600MWh of projects under construction, including a solar-plus-storage project in Hawaii that combines 60MWac of solar PV with 240MWh of battery storage.

Through a partnership with Free2Move, a subsidiary of automotive OEM company Stellantis, it is also deploying EV charge networks that include bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. Through the latter offering, the company is currently installing a 25MW V2G project in Turin, Italy, which will provide a new “ultra-rapid frequency reserve” service to Italian grid operator Terna called Fast Reserve.

TCC already owns a lithium-ion battery manufacturer based in Taiwan, called E-Moli, which has 1.5GW of annual production capacity. Through this new deal it is now the sole group based in Taiwan to have in-house R&D, manufacturing and management capabilities across the value chain for clean energy and electric mobility, it claimed. The company touted NHOA’s strengths in digital software solutions, including an artificial intelligence-driven energy management system (EMS) and cloud-based monitoring platform.

TCC said immediate opportunities ahead include installing large-scale energy storage systems for Taiwan’s various big industrial players. The battery systems could reduce these entities’ peak demand use of electricity from the grid and provide backup power as needed.

Source: Energy Storage News (by Andy Colthorpe, Editor)   Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The vision shown by TCC in expanding beyond its traditional business model into the realm of global alternative energy solutions will position the firm to be an important player in the development of smart cities in Taiwan and other regions.  The key here is that TCC has a cohesive vision for bringing together seemingly disparate elements. 

Variable renewables – often hindered by inconsistent supply – once had to rely on diesel or gas backup systems.  Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) can free the VRE source from dependence on fossil fuel generators, and support utilities by increasing the availability of VRE supplied electricity. 

EV charging infrastructures are one of the major hurdles for any city, province or country trying to increase EV adoption and reduce consumer anxiety.  By adding Vehicle to Grid/Business/Home (V2X) infrastructure to the equation, EVs that would normally sit dormant during the day in parking lots can be employed, as needed, to provide supplemental energy throughout the day or night. 

Certainly, none of these on its own, or even taken as a whole, constitutes a panacea.  There are serious challenges when it comes to battery technology and the well-to-wheel impact.  Experts I’ve talked to remind us that a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which calls for comprehensive CO2 emissions control during energy generation, manufacturing, transportation, and recycling must be included in future regulations.  Without considering the whole picture, we are certain to miss the mark.  PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region for Power Systems Research

TAIPEI. As electric vehicle (EV) development becomes a global effort, batteries that play a vital role to EVs’ cost-performance ratios are a focus to manufacturers with ambitions to expand in the EV market…

Taiwan’s battery industry may not be backed by well-known brands and abundant natural resources. Nevertheless, a large part of Taiwan-based battery suppliers have been assembling battery modules for Taiwan’s ICT industry. For example, Simplo, Dynapack and Celxpert with a long-term focus on manufacturing battery modules for consumer electronics such as notebook only started to set foot in EV battery solutions in recent years…

Batteries for future EV applications are expected to feature higher energy density, faster charging and discharging time, lighter weight and friendlier costs. Whether lithium-ion batteries and LFP batteries can maintain their leading positions at the moment in the EV market still remains to be seen…

Most manufacturers have high hopes for solid-state batteries to replace lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolyte instead of liquid one to significantly reduce the risks of short circuits and accidents. By packing higher-power anode and cathode, solid-state batteries also enable higher energy density, allowing them to outperform ternary lithium-ion batteries in terms of charging time, working temperature and cell longevity.

In view of the multiple benefits of solid-state batteries, Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan and GM are all engaging in the development of solid-state batteries. Foxconn, the initiator of the MIH Open Platform Alliance, reiterated its plans to introduce demo solid-state battery products by year-end 2021 and launch commercialized solid-state batteries by 2024…

It will be difficult to catch up with or compete against international manufacturers that have long been devoted to lithium-ion battery development if Taiwan only now starts to build its own patent portfolio from scratch. Taiwan should also seek joint development opportunities from international manufacturers. By leveraging Taiwan’s accumulated experience and technological strength in the ICT sector to help expand the applications for solid-state batteries, Taiwan-based battery suppliers still have a shot at establishing market presence.

Source: DIGITIMES (by Ninelu Tu)                  Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Taiwan is forging an important path forward in the development of EV batteries by exploring technologies that can compete with the lithium-ion batteries currently on the market.  Companies with prior experience manufacturing cells for hi-tech communications companies are finding opportunities in the EV sphere, and are using a combination of experience,  technical expertise, and ingenuity to catch up relatively quickly. 

A key aspect of this advancement is the focus on solid-state batteries.  The potential for solid-state batteries to outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, longevity, charge time, cost and safety makes this juice worth the squeeze.  Cooperative efforts now underway further improve the chances for success on both technologically and financially. 

Foxconn’s MIH Open Platform will engage hundreds of companies in the expansion of EV production.  But it is their work on solid-state batteries, as well as that being carried out by Pro-Logium and other Taiwanese companies that may bring us into a new era that has the greatest impact on adoption of EVs far beyond Taiwan’s borders. PSR

Erik Martin is Director–Asia Region for Power Systems Research

TAIWAN — Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake is so low that parts of it have dried and turned to grass. Jetties that normally float are sprawled awkwardly on dry land, and tour boats are crowded at the tail ends of pontoons still in the water.

Usually one of the island’s most famous tourist destinations, the lake has recently become a star of a different kind. Following the worst drought in 56 years, it is now famous for all the wrong reasons. These days, Instagram influencers photograph themselves posing in a dust-colored, dinghy half-buried in a cracked and cratered lakebed…

But away from the quirky headlines, the situation is dire. Other reservoirs across central and southern Taiwan are effectively empty, down to 5% or less.

Taiwan has had drought before, but observers are hoping the severity of this one – which has lasted 18 months and threatens Taiwan’s economic lifeblood of semiconductor production – is enough to prompt real action on climate change.

Taiwan relies heavily on seasonal typhoons to top up reservoirs, but in 2020 not one made landfall. And it could happen again.

Source: The Guardian – Helen Davidson in Taiwan               Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  PSR participated in April HDMA Pulse Webinar to examine global commercial vehicle markets (PSR News: HDMA Pulse Webinar April 2021).  One area of focus was the impact that supply chain fragility is having throughout commercial vehicle markets in China, India and Japan. At the center of this discussion was the role played by natural and man-made disasters in curtailing the supply of semiconductors employed in the automotive industry. 

Examples cited in the webinar included an unusual cold wave which impacted chip production at NXP, Infineon & Samsung semiconductor plants in Austin, Texas.  In addition, a fire at the Renesas Electronics plant in Japan specifically targeted the domestic market as many Japanese OEMs had placed chip orders with Renesas.  As our Research Analyst in Tokyo, Komuro Akihiro, pointed out, “Of the MHV models manufactured in Japan, there is not a single model that does not require semiconductors.”

Missing from my presentation was mention of the severe ramifications the current historic drought is having on Taiwan – both its people and its industries. 

During my time living in Taiwan, typhoons were something you could count on.  Some years brought many; some years brought few.  No matter what, they always came.  It is hard for me to imagine a year without a typhoon.  Now, with reservoirs approaching all-time low levels, water rationing impacting farmers and consumers alike, and rolling power outages due to a heat wave and reduced hydroelectric power, the question is how to balance the needs of these diverse groups.   

As Davidson points out in her article, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) “…is a major user of water and power resources that makes a large percentage of the world’s semiconductors (used in electronics ranging from cars to phones) and contributes 4% of GDP. The drought has prompted international concern about supplies.”  For farmers and citizens who lack the resources of corporations like TSMC, the Taiwan government is being called upon alleviate the burdens being faced.        

Indications are that TSMC has developed a plan to conserve its water usage and is investing in greater water recycling efforts.  To help meet global semiconductor demand, they are also looking to expand their investment in new fabrication facilities in Arizona.  While those will take time to bring online, and precautions are being taken to prevent disaster – both man-made and natural – expanding water-intense industries in a desert can be viewed as risky. 

Amidst these challenges, global markets continue to depend on the movement of products, parts, raw materials and components from one region to another.  The continuing vulnerability inherit in global logistics means reliability will remain uncertain at best.  This in turn forces us to continue addressing the root causes of the factors that result in  continual disruptions. PSR

Erik Martin is Director–Asia Region for Power Systems Research

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Imagine being asked to design and build a totally new, green energy infrastructure for an entire country — from scratch.

This was the goal given to Gogoro Network (GN) General Manager Alan Pan (潘璟倫) by Gogoro founder and CEO Horace Luke (陸學森). Sitting down for an interview with Taiwan News, Pan described some of the issues electric scooters faced before Gogoro, including limited charging solutions due to lack of space in Taiwan and high battery and maintenance costs.

The battery alone accounted for as much as a third to one half of an electric scooter’s price tag, which when combined with the cost of replacing the battery every two to three years presented a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of e-scooters. This led Gogoro to come up with a rather ingenious solution: the swappable battery station, or GoStation.

After developing the GoStation, Gogoro ran into another issue: how to sell battery-powered electric scooters without an energy system in place. So Pan was transferred to the energy services department and tasked with building GN.

With safety, reliability, scalability, and replicability in mind, Pan and his colleagues designed an open, wireless platform applicable to any city or country looking for innovative energy and transportation solutions.

Source: Taiwan News             Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Two key challenges impacting the adoption of electric vehicles are range anxiety and charging time.  Gogoro has addressed these issues by implementing a comprehensive plan that meets the needs of consumers in an affordable and practical way.  By establishing their Gogoro Network (GN) nationwide, Gogoro has enabled riders in Taiwan to travel freely around the island without the fear of being stranded, and with the confidence that recharging during their journey will not result in long delays.

The Gogoro Network is an excellent example of developing infrastructure in concert with new products to achieve viability.  Too often new product designs fail to incorporate practical factors and thereby never make it to market.  And, in this field, excessive analysis over which charging method is best – fast-charge versus battery swapping – can delay decisions for years. 

By committing to the battery swapping model, implementing it within a relatively small regional network, then investing the proper time and money to be sure all regulatory and technical hurdles were addressed, Gogoro was able to prove the concept in a matter of several years.  That has now expanded nationwide to become a model for OEMs, battery makers, government agencies and forward thinkers to consider. 

Success in the alternative energy world requires cooperation.  Gogoro has partnered with several top motorcycle and scooter OEMs and a growing logistics firm to establish a critical mass for GN.  Now, in cooperation with Taipower, Gogoro is working on expanding into the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) power sharing model.  Such V2X technology is an important factor in the development of smart cities and may prove to be a vital part of the long-term power generation solution.  Continued innovation will ensure Gogoro remains a principal player for years to come. PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region, for Power Systems Research.

“Autonomous technology will lead a revolutionary change to the city’s transportation systems,” said Huang Wei-Cher, Mayor of Tainan. “The smart transportation initiative will help us improve overall road safety, operational efficiency, and rural area transportation services.”

The service will cover two business districts. One service will run on weekends only, on a 2.5km route between Nanke Railway Station and National Museum of Prehistory, while the other will be on weekdays in the 6.4km route along Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, where a smart vehicle testing site is located.

The ART project is part of Taiwan’s two-year smart transportation development plan. It is supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the National Development Council. Tainan has been tapped as the country’s first municipality to offer commercial autonomous bus services.

Source: Future IOT                  Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project being carried out in Tainan, southern Taiwan, is an example of extensive cooperation between traditional industry players, innovative tech companies and local and national government agencies.  Although this three-month trial is starting small with limited routes, no live passengers and drivers on hand in case of emergency, the goal of implementing it by 2021 is aggressive, to say the least. 

The buses will make use of multiple cameras, LIDAR, high definition maps and connected car technology.  Of key importance is making use of LiLee’s mass  rapid transit autonomous drive technology usually applied to rail systems.  Rather than requiring these buses to navigate a maze of unexpected conditions and routes subject to last-minute change, the ART buses will be programmed to move through set routes in what amounts to a virtual rail system.  This regular movement through established routes will improve the safety quotient and may help ease concerns critics have regarding the dangers of autonomous drive vehicles.  

While still prohibitively expensive for personal passenger cars, it is possible to convert diesel engine-powered buses to electric autonomous drive buses for something deemed worthy of the investment.  Current in-service populations of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles is always of concern when converting to alternative energy sources – this repowering of the ART buses is an elegant solution. 

Although this does not achieve truly autonomous driving through unknown routes, and although we will not yet be able to use this system to nap or read while commuting in our own cars each day, the ART bus program in Tainan is an excellent and sensible example of how federal and municipal governments can work with the private sector to find new solutions to age old problems.  PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region, for Power Systems Research

To meet the pure electric future, Taiwan Audi has joined hands with strategic partner Noodoe to accelerate the deployment of Taiwan’s charging network. Evaluating home charging station installation and a cloud-based charging operating system paired with Taiwan Audi’s charging solution aims to realize a pure electric mobile life.

From north to south, Taiwan spans only about 500 kilometers.  At the same time, the main population centers are concentrated in the seven largest metropolitan areas. These cities–while clearly defined–are connected by a comprehensive road network that provides excellent advantages in the development of electric vehicles. Audi has been actively promoting the deployment of electric vehicles in Taiwan since last year. It is expected to introduce the first electric vehicle model ─ Audi e-tron – before the end of 2020 with a battery life of 417 kilometers (WLTP). Through the 150kW fast charge mode, it can be charged in 30 minutes to 80% power.

In order to reduce “range anxiety” among consumers, Audi Taiwan has carried out comprehensive charging network planning from three perspectives; household charging, fast charging and public charging. 

Audi will strategically ally with Noodoe home charging systems to assist consumers in the installation and evaluation of home charging systems and other services. Audi will also provide car owners with convenient fast charging services in at least five exhibition centers around the country before the end of 2020.

Upon its launch in the near future, the Audi e-tron will be able to be charged at more than 300 public charging stations across Taiwan. Currently, department stores, restaurants and other locations have gradually begun adding public charging stations to provide consumers with support anywhere and anytime.

Audi hopes that consumer habits surrounding electric car ownership will become like owning a mobile phone.  You charge it immediately when you return home.  Or, if you need a charge while out, you can find a public fast charging station right away.

Source: U-car.com.tw             Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  Adoption of any new technology takes time.  The new device or service may be promoted to increase efficiency, improve functionality, reduce cost, save time, improve society or protect the environment.  In the end, the long-term success of the technology is determined by end user satisfaction.  Audi and Noodoe’s approach to helping consumers view an EV the way they view their cell phone is insightful and practical and gets to the heart of the challenges faced by EV manufacturers everywhere.

Government subsidies can help make EV’s affordable to purchase, while product appeal can entice others.  But, to really conquer range anxiety and other fears, the OEMs and their partners must address consumer concerns about how and when and where to charge their EV.  

Noodoe’s technical online assessment of a potential buyer’s house to determine suitability for a home charging unit is the first step in their evaluation and is a direct assault on fear and confusion.  Demonstrating that the prospect’s home is a good match for EV charging coupled with Audi’s product and service offerings pave the way for more likely acceptance by the consumer.  And, as the consumer learns more about the charge monitoring services provided and the charge network that exists outside the home their apprehension is further reduced. 

There is still much to be done, but Audi and Noodoe have embarked on a path that has a good chance to convince consumers that charging their EV can become as much part of their daily lives as charging their cell phones.  Now, about that total cost of ownership… PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region for Power Systems Research

To meet the pure electric future, Taiwan Audi has joined hands with strategic partner Noodoe to accelerate the deployment of Taiwan’s charging network. Evaluating home charging station installation and a cloud-based charging operating system paired with Taiwan Audi’s charging solution aims to realize a pure electric mobile life.

From north to south, Taiwan spans only about 500 kilometers.  At the same time, the main population centers are concentrated in the seven largest metropolitan areas. These cities–while clearly defined–are connected by a comprehensive road network that provides excellent advantages in the development of electric vehicles.

Audi has been actively promoting the deployment of electric vehicles in Taiwan since last year. It is expected to introduce the first electric vehicle model ─ Audi e-tron – before the end of 2020 with a battery life of 417 kilometers (WLTP). Through the 150kW fast charge mode, it can be charged in 30 minutes to 80% power.

In order to reduce “range anxiety” among consumers, Audi Taiwan has carried out comprehensive charging network planning from three perspectives; household charging, fast charging and public charging.  

Audi will strategically ally with Noodoe home charging systems to assist consumers in the installation and evaluation of home charging systems and other services. Audi will also provide car owners with convenient fast charging services in at least five exhibition centers around the country before the end of 2020.

Upon its launch in the near future, the Audi e-tron will be able to be charged at more than 300 public charging stations across Taiwan. Currently, department stores, restaurants and other locations have gradually begun adding public charging stations to provide consumers with support anywhere and anytime.

Audi hopes that consumer habits surrounding electric car ownership will become like owning a mobile phone.  You charge it immediately when you return home.  Or, if you need a charge while out, you can find a public fast charging station right away.

Source: U-car.com.tw             Read The Article

PSR Analysis:  Adoption of any new technology takes time.  The new device or service may be promoted to increase efficiency, improve functionality, reduce cost, save time, improve society or protect the environment.  In the end, the long-term success of the technology is determined by end user satisfaction.  Audi and Noodoe’s approach to helping consumers view an EV the way they view their cell phone is insightful and practical and gets to the heart of the challenges faced by EV manufacturers everywhere.

Government subsidies can help make EV’s affordable to purchase, while product appeal can entice others.  But, to really conquer range anxiety and other fears, the OEMs and their partners must address consumer concerns about how and when and where to charge their EV.   

Noodoe’s technical online assessment of a potential buyer’s house to determine suitability for a home charging unit is the first step in their evaluation and is a direct assault on fear and confusion.  Demonstrating that the prospect’s home is a good match for EV charging coupled with Audi’s product and service offerings pave the way for more likely acceptance by the consumer.  And, as the consumer learns more about the charge monitoring services provided and the charge network that exists outside the home their apprehension is further reduced. 

There is still much to be done, but Audi and Noodoe have embarked on a path that has a good chance to convince consumers that charging their EV can become as much part of their daily lives as charging their cell phones.  Now, about that total cost of ownership… PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region for Power Systems Research

With a population of around 23 million, Taiwan has only 393 confirmed COVID-19 cases; six people have died from the disease. The last time Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center announced no new cases was on March 9 – 36 days ago.

Taiwan has won praise for keeping the coronavirus under control despite the country’s close links with China. Millions of people travel between the island and the mainland every year — including 2.7 million visitors from the mainland last year.

Because of its aggressive and early response to the coronavirus, Taiwan — like Hong Kong and South Korea — has been able to avoid lockdown measures and keep many schools, restaurants and offices open.

An academic paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)  last month credited Taiwan’s government with taking 124 actions to identify potential cases of the then-emerging respiratory virus.

Source: National Public Radio (NPR.org)                   Read The Article

PSR Analysis: As each of us comes to grips with the effects of COVID-19 in our personal, professional, and social lives, and as we evaluate the actions taken by our leaders, it is good to be reminded of places that seem to have gotten it right.  Taiwan is one such place. This small island so near the epicenter was quick to act and has been able to avoid some of the tragedy that has befallen so many other regions. 

Naturally, many businesses and factories have suffered production shutdowns and furloughs of workers, especially at smaller enterprises.  But in many cases larger manufacturers have been able to remain open, and here we see encouraging signs. 

Taiwan Semiconductor, and other chip makers, exceeded forecasts in Q1 2020.  Gogoro, the electric scooter maker, has experienced sales growth during this pandemic as riders seek alternatives to public transportation, while simultaneously taking advantage of government incentives to move away from engine-powered scooters. 

Horizon Yachts offices and its Kaohsiung shipyard have remained open throughout the COVID-19 spread.     There will come a time to examine what could have been done better, but for now, let’s learn what we can from this country’s country’s leaders and citizens as we seek solutions and find new ways to support each other. PSR

Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region