Riassunto analitico
The automotive sector is facing the biggest change in its history thanks to the gradual introduction of electric powertrain to the detriment of internal combustion, leading to a renewal that promises to be epochal. The thesis aims to contribute to the knowledge of this sectoral dynamic through the analysis of the characteristics of the new models proposed by world manufacturers as a result of the innovative effort in a new competitive context. The topic, framed in the literature concerning the technology life cycle, dominant design, and era of ferment, is addressed using a specific database provided by the automotive industry portal Marklines which contains significant information on new models of electrified powertrain vehicles presented on the world market from 2012 to 2023. The database helps to analyse the external and internal factors that influence company strategies with respect to the key component for electrified batteries which is the battery. Given its centrality, a chapter of the thesis addresses the more technical issue related to the different battery technologies, the main KPIs of interest and a comparison between which are currently the best performing batteries available on the market. The study confirms the usefulness of the eco-innovation model which highlights the government policies as an important driver to balance the market failures that characterize the relationships between companies and environmental issues (the Chinese case is the most noticeable). The work validates the theoretical concept regarding the consequences of technological discontinuities on incumbent firms, highlighting in this case their ability to resist the attack of new entrants, exploiting skills, organization, and experience. The reaction is evident in the consistent increase of new BEVs models proposed by OEMs in recent years (it has been analysed the case of Toyota and Volkswagen). The trend of proposals for new models in the various powertrains highlights the significant attention and innovative effort paid in recent years to BEVs at the expense of hybrids which in any case have had the great merit of both splitting the technological leap towards full electric and meeting the requirements of all the actors not ready for a too radical change, the electric vehicle. Finally, the technological cycle scheme is used to define the current condition as an era of ferment attributable above all to the production of batteries which is in a rapidly evolving stage due to the search for more performing and less expensive technologies. The batteries installed in the new models have various technologies from which a prevalent type has not yet emerged in recent years.
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