There’s no denying that the automotive industry is racing toward a new world
Okay, it may still take some time before Sci-Fi-like flying cars fill our skies. Yet there’s no denying that the automotive industry is racing toward a new world, driven by digital technologies. What’s on the horizon for electric vehicles in the next few years? And how will that impact fleet managers and drivers, like you? Let’s find that out in a brand-new Athlon content series. Ronald van Slooten kicks off with an introduction.
The times are changing – also in the automotive sector. Digital technologies are changing transportation, with innovation leading to seismic impact for everyone involved, including fleet managers and car owners. So what do new technologies such as online sales and new types of electricity grids mean for the future of Electric Vehicles (EVs)? Find out in our series on digitalization, featuring experts from inside and outside of Athlon.
Ronald van Slooten, eMobility Program Manager at Athlon, is one of those experts. Passionate about all things new and digital, he loves to share his vision on digitalization and EVs with the world and translate it into a strategy for Athlon.
The future of cars: this is not science-fiction
“When it comes to digitalization, we haven’t seen anything yet. Many people are still somewhat struggling to embrace EVs and electric charging. But so much more will change in the near future. Our vehicles are becoming computers on wheels. EVs will play a key role in the electricity grid of the future, serving as big batteries. Dealerships will be increasingly replaced by online sales. Vehicle ownership is bound to drop in favor of shared solutions. In the future, we may even be able to test a car via a simulator on our own computers?”
“When it comes to digitalization in the automotive industry, we haven’t seen anything yet.” - Ronald van Slooten, eMobility Program Manager
New business models, new driving behavior
“All these innovations will require structural changes from everyone involved: From manufacturers, retailers, insurers and leasing companies like Athlon to fleet managers and drivers themselves,” Ronald continues. “More than just practical implications, there will be a need for ethical discussions, too. Can drivers feed power back into the grid from their leased vehicles, for example? Can they then earn money with it, or can somebody else in the value chain claim their share? And who owns the data of today’s smart cars: the manufacturer, the leasing company, the fleet owner or the drivers themselves?”
Vision, practical tips and inspiration
Ronald is clear: “The future is challenging but really exciting”. He can’t wait to discuss the views of colleagues and other experts and share them with you in this new Athlon content series.
What can you expect? From January 2023 onwards, we will publish an article frequently, covering an aspect of electrification and digitalization that will impact your future driving experience. More than a bird’s eye view and an overall vision, prepare to get unique insights, practical tips as well as inspirational cases.
So, keep an eye on our web and social channels, and get ready to shift into a higher gear.
Stay on track
Dive deep into these articles. You’ll be inspired by new approaches and solutions for your mobility challenges.
“EVs will help boost the transition to fossil-free energy,” said Vattenfall’s Pieter van Ommeren in an earlier article in our ‘Digitalization and EV’ series. Diving deeper into this subject, we talked to high-voltage transmission system operator TenneT. And they couldn’t agree more. Read their view on how EVs can help balance power supply and demand – and technology like blockchain can facilitate the energy exchange.
