PowerTALK™, February 2024

China companies dealing in alternative power–batteries and electric vehicles–make the news in the February issue of PowerTALK by Power Systems Research. CATL has gained market share in the global battery market and it has formed a production alliance in China. At the same time, China OEMs are gaining market share in Thailand’s EV market. Mike Aistrup reports that the global powersports recreational products market is forecast to exceed US$ 35 Billion in 2025.

IN THIS ISSUE

ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

  • CATL Expands Battery Market Share Lead in 2023
  • Electric Trucks Can Haul 100 Tons
  • Daimler’s Aims for Hydrogen Milestone
  • Toyota Maintains EV Market Skepticism

NORTH AMERICA:

  • Shell To Exit Light Duty FCEV Market in California
  • Global Powersports Market To Exceed $35 Billion in 2025

DATAPOINT: NA ATVs
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA:

  • VW To Invest US$250 Million in Argentina by 2026
  • Cummins To Produce New Off Highway Engine at Guarulhos Plant
  • Brazil Posts Record Heavy Duty Trailers Sales in January 2024  

JAPAN: Toyota and Chiyoda Develop Hydrogen Production System
SOUTH KOREA: Hyundai Motor Shifts EV Plans, Introduces Genesis Hybrid
THAILAND: Japanese Car Share Plummets in Thailand, China Gains Share
CHINA: LGMG and CATAL Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement
INDIA:
India FY25 Budget Is Driving EV Revolution

Kubota Plans To Produce Batteries for EV AG Equipment

JAPAN REPORT

Kubota is considering in-house production of batteries for electric agricultural equipment. It is considering developing and designing its own batteries and building a new plant in Japan.

The company intends to launch electric tractors and mowers in Europe and the United States by 2030. Kubota is preparing for increased demand in Europe, the U.S., and other markets by establishing a system for in-house production of batteries, which determine the running time of electric agricultural machinery.

Kubota currently manufactures diesel engines for agricultural machinery, mainly in Thailand and Japan and ships them to the United States and Europe for final assembly. Regarding batteries, which are a key component of electric agricultural machinery, President Kitao said, “As with engines, we would like to be able to produce batteries for Asian markets in Thailand, and those for Japan, Europe, and the United States in Japan.”

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South Korea Plans World’s Largest Semiconductor Manufacturing Base

SOUTH KOREA REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

The South Korean government announced a plan for a semiconductor industrial park in which Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will invest a total of 622 trillion won (approx. $470 Billion). With Japan and Taiwan aggressively investing in the semiconductor industry, the government aims to compete with them by establishing the world’s largest base and stabilizing the supply of semiconductors to Korea.

According to the plan announced by the government, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to invest 500 trillion won and 122 trillion won, respectively, by 2047. In addition to the existing 21 factories, 13 new semiconductor factories and 3 research facilities will be built. The semiconductor industrial park, which stretches from Pyeongtaek to Yongming, is expected to become the world’s largest manufacturing base with a monthly production capacity of 7.7 million wafers by 2030.

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India EV Market Provides Opportunities and Challenges

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 5th Annual TWF (Two Wheeler Forum) took place on Feb. 21 and 22, 2024, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi. Hosted in partnership with Trak N Tell, the event spotlighted aspects of the Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler industry, spanning both electric and internal combustion engines.

The landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) in India is undergoing a transformative shift, with the recent 2 wheeler, 3 wheeler, and EV show held in Delhi showcasing the industry’s dynamic evolution. Despite constituting less than 1% of total vehicle sales, the electric vehicle sector holds immense potential, and is projected to grow to over 5% in the years to come. Currently, the Indian roads host over 5 lakh electric 2 wheelers and a modest number of electric cars. However, the market’s growth trajectory remains subject to fluctuations, predominantly influenced by governmental incentives.

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Global Lawn and Garden Equipment Market

GLOBAL REPORT
Michael Aistrup

The global lawn and Garden Equipment Market, which includes commercial and residential equipment, is projected by Power Systems Research to reach sales of $46.16 billion by 2030. This is a projected increase of $15.96 billion dollars from 2023 to 2030, an increase of 52.8%.

The global impact of COVID-19 is stating to wane and the market is returning to a normal growth rate. Individual homeowners are still interested in lawn and garden care, just not as much as during COVID-19. More people are returning to recreational activities.

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Study Shows Plug-in Hybrids Aren’t as Clean as We Thought

A new report by the European Commission shows that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles create much more emissions than we previously thought – by an average of 3.5 times as much as lab testing indicates.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were thought to bring the best of both worlds – a large enough battery to take care of your daily tasks, paired with a gas engine for longer trips. There are downsides in cost and complexity, but the powertrain choice does provide more options than others.

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