Narrower focus, BIGGER PAYOFF

Design teams are targeting focused markets for their commercial electric-vehicle programs to combat challenges like range and infrastructure.

Government regulations are prompting a changeover to electric powertrains, with early growth coming in commercial vehicle applications where range and recharging are more easily managed. Greater expansion will require revisions in maintenance and broader availability of charging stations as well as improved driving ranges.

Electric vehicle (EV) introductions are coming at a rapid pace, and major fleet owners like Penske and Amazon are placing significant orders. ABI Research predicts that commercial-vehicle shipments will hit 3 million units worldwide by 2024. That's a strong 28% growth rate over the next five years. Most of that expansion will come in operations with planned routes and home-base charging, according to ABI.