Charging Infrastructure Expansion
Key toAccelerating E-MobilityAdoption by 2025
TheYear of the EV TransformativeTrends in Electric Mobility for 2025
MaherEl-Kady
Co-founderandChief
TechnologyOfficer
NanotechEnergy
Advancing Energy Storage Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Advancing Energy Storage Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Astheworldpivotstowardssustainability,thee-mobilityrevolution
standsattheforefrontofthistransformativejourney.Thetransition fromconventionalfuelstoelectric-poweredtransportationisnot merelyashiftintechnology;itisaredefinitionofmobilityasweknowit, encompassingenvironmentalstewardship,technologicalinnovation,and economicpotential.
CIOLookcelebratesthevisionariesintheeditionof The 10 Most Influential Leaders in E-Mobility, 2025,whoareshapingthisdynamicindustry.From entrepreneursdrivinggroundbreakinginnovationstopolicymakerscrafting forward-thinkingframeworks,theseleadersexemplifytheingenuityand determinationnecessarytoaddressthechallengesoftodayandinspirethe solutionsfortomorrow
Theglobale-mobilitymarketcontinuestowitnessunprecedentedgrowth. Advancesinbatterytechnology,infrastructureexpansion,andvehicledesign aremakingelectricmobilityaccessibleandviableonalargescale.Yet,the pathforwardisnotwithoutitshurdles—rangingfromsupplychain disruptionstotheimperativeofensuringequitableaccesstosustainable mobility.ThiseditionofCIOLookfeaturesindividualswhoareovercoming theseobstaclesandarealsosettingbenchmarksforotherstofollow
Theirstoriesunderscoreasharedcommitmenttoreducingcarbonfootprints, fosteringinnovation,andenvisioningaworldwheretransportationisclean, efficient,andinclusive.Theyremindusthatleadershipine-mobilityisnot confinedtotechnicalexpertisealonebutextendstoinspiringcollaborative actionacrossindustriesandcommunities.
Asyoudelveintotheirjourneys,wehopetheirachievementswillinspireyou todreambigger,thinkbolder,andcontributetoagreenertomorrow Together,wecanredefinemobilityforgenerationstocome.
By Carlijn Nouwen
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FeaturedPerson
AkshayPrasad
SeniorEngagement Manager
CarlijnNouwen Co-Founder
DanSloat
Founder&President
MaherEl-Kady Co-Founder
MubarakMoosa GlobalVicePresidentPracticeAreaLeader (Advisory),MobilityGroup
NeilYates Owner
RachelSolomon Williams
ExecutiveDirector
SaraSloman ChiefStrategyOfficer
TeppoRantanen
ExecutiveDirector
UweWedler
ManagingDirector
ArthurD.Little adlittle.com
ClimateActionPlatform forAfrica(CAP-A) cap-a.org
AdvancedAirMobilityInstitute aaminstitute.org
NanotechEnergy nanotechenergy.com
Frost&Sullivan frost.com
WATTElectric VehicleCompany wattelectricvehicles.com
Akshayisadedicatedadvocateforsocialimpact, focusingonempoweringcommunitiesthrough sustainabledevelopmentinitiatives.
Nouwen:Aprominentleaderinclimatefinance,driving initiativesthatpromoterenewableenergyandinclusive economicgrowthinAfrica.
DanSloat:Adedicatedprofessionalfocusedonclimate resilience,promotingstrategiesthatenhancecommunity preparednessforenvironmentalchanges.
Maherisaninfluentialfigureinclimateactionand sustainability,advocatingforinnovativesolutionsto environmentalchallenges.
Moosa:Apassionateleaderinrenewableenergy advocacy,strivingtoincreaseaccesstocleanenergy solutionsinunderservedcommunities.
NeilYates:Anexpertinclimatechangemitigation, workingoninitiativesthatbalanceeconomicgrowthwith environmentalstewardship.
Williams:Anexpertinenvironmentalpolicy,workingto enhancecommunityresilienceandpromotesustainable practicesglobally AldersgateGroup aldersgategroup.org.uk Paythru paythru.com
TampereenkaupunkiCityofTampere tampere.fi
GROB-WERKE GmbH&Co.KG grobgroup.com/impressum/
Sloman:Anadvocateforbiodiversityconservation, focusingoninnovativestrategiestoprotectecosystemsand promotesustainablelivelihoods.
Rantanen:Aseasonedprofessionalinclimateadaptation strategies,emphasizingtheimportanceofdata-driven approachestoenvironmentalchallenges.
Wedler:Aspecialistinsustainableresourcemanagement, committedtointegratingecologicalprinciplesinto economicframeworks.
MaherEl-Kady Co-founderandChief TechnologyOfficer
Nanotech
Energy
Theenergystorageindustryisemergingasa
cornerstoneinaddressingtheglobaldemandfor sustainableenergysolutions.Itssignificanceliesin itsabilitytoprovidereliable,efficient,andscalablepower storagesystemsthatsupportrenewableenergyintegration, stabilizegrids,andenhanceenergyaccess.Advancements inmaterialsandtechnologyarereshapingenergystorage, movingbeyondtraditionallithium-ionbatteriestoexplore graphene-basedsolutions,solid-statedesigns,andecofriendlymaterials.Theindustry'sprogressreflectsa growingfocusonsafety,sustainability,andenhanced performance,aligningwiththeglobalpushfor decarbonizationandenergyindependence.These advancementspavethewayforinnovationsine-mobility, renewableenergystorage,andgridinfrastructure.
MaherEl-Kady,Co-founderandChiefTechnology Officerdemonstratesleadershipthatbridgesscientific innovationwithpracticalapplications.Withastrong foundationinmaterialsscience,Maherisknownfor translatingadvancedresearchintotransformativeenergy storagesolutions.Hisleadershipapproachischaracterized byinnovation,collaboration,andresilience,inspiringhis teamstochallengeconventionalboundariesanddrive advancementsinbatterytechnology.Maher'svisionary mindsetandcommitmenttocreatingscalable,impactful solutionshavepositionedhimasaprominentleaderinthe energystorageindustry,shapingitstrajectorytowarda cleaner,moresustainablefuture.
NanotechEnergyisattheheadofredefiningenergy storagesolutionsbyusinginnovationtoenhancelithiumionbatteryperformance,safety,andsustainability Leveraginggraphene'sexceptionalproperties,thecompany hasdevelopedenergystoragetechnologiesthatdeliver superiorenergydensityandreliability.Byestablishinga state-of-the-art150MWhproductionfacilityinCalifornia, NanotechEnergyisdedicatedtoreshapingtheU.S.energy sectorwhilecontributingtotheglobalenergytransition. Withamissiontodeliveradvanced,eco-friendly technologies,thecompanycontinuestomakestridesinemobility,grid-scalestorage,andbeyond,embodyinga commitmenttopoweringasustainableandelectrified future.
Let’s explore Maher’s inventive strategies for driving the energy storage industry forward:
Maher’sjourneytoco-foundingNanotechEnergyisdeeply rootedinapassionformaterialsscienceandenergystorage andalifelongcommitmenttobridgingthegapbetween academicresearchandreal-worldapplications.Itbeganin Egypt,wherehewasbornandraisedinGiza,acityfamous foritsiconicpyramids—anenduringsymbolofhuman ingenuityandthepowerofinnovation.
Growingupintheshadowoftheseancientwonders,hewas inspiredbytheideathatoutstandingachievementsrequire vision,creativity,anddetermination.Thisinspiration guidedhimthroughhisstudiesatCairoUniversity,where heearnedbothhisB.Sc.andM.Sc.inChemistryandlaid thefoundationforhiscareerinmaterialsscience.
HisacademicjourneyinEgyptcultivatedadeepfascination withthepotentialofchemistrytosolvereal-world problems.ThispassioneventuallybroughthimtoUCLA, wherehepursuedadvancedresearchingraphene—a materialwithextraordinarypropertiesandimmense promiseforrevolutionizingbatteries,supercapacitors,and more.
AtUCLA,hehadtheprivilegeofworkingoninnovative researchexploringgraphene'ssynthesisandapplicationsin energystorage.Adefiningmomentcamewhenhisteam successfullydemonstratedtheuseofgraphenein supercapacitorsandbatteries,showcasingitsabilityto deliverhighenergydensityandfastchargingcapabilities. Thisgloballyrecognizedachievementlaidthefoundation fortranslatinglaboratoryinnovationintopractical solutions.
Histransitionfromacademiatoentrepreneurshipwas drivenbyadesiretomakeabroaderimpact.While academicresearchofferedthethrillofdiscovery,herealized theimportanceofmovingbeyondpublicationsandpatents tocreatescalabletechnologiesthataddressglobal challengeslikecleanenergyandsustainability.In2014,he joinedforceswithDr.JackKavanaughandDr.Richard Kanertoco-foundNanotechEnergy Theirsharedvision wastorevolutionizetheenergysectorbybringingscientific advancementstoreal-worldapplications.
NanotechEnergywasfoundedonprinciplesofinnovation, sustainability,andtheurgentneedforsafer,moreefficient energystoragesolutions.Thisstepmarkedanatural progressioninhiscareer—fromacademicdiscoveryto
buildingaplatformcapableofdeliveringcutting-edge technologiestothemarket.AtNanotechEnergy,theyhave redefinedlithium-ionbatteriesbyenhancingcomponents likeelectrodes,electrolytes,andseparators,offering unparalleledenergydensity,safety,andlongevity
LaunchingNanotechEnergy’s150MWhproductionfacility inCaliforniaisamilestonethatreflectstechnological advancementandacommitmenttoreshapingtheU.S. energysector.Thisjourney,fromtheinspiringbackdropof Giza’spyramidstopioneeringbatterytechnologyin California,hasbeenaboutcultivatingacultureof innovation,resilience,andexcellence,aimingtopowera sustainableandelectrifiedfuture.
AstheChiefScienceandTechnologyOfficerofNanotech Energy,Maherdrivesinnovationandensuresthatthe technologyremainsattheleadingedgeoftheenergy storageindustry.Hisprimaryresponsibilitiesandobjectives include:
• StrategicTechnologyLeadership:Heoverseesthe developmentofcutting-edgeenergystorage technologies,focusingonreimaginingthearchitecture oflithium-ionbatteriestoachievesuperior performance,safety,andsustainability Thisincludes advancementsincriticalcomponentssuchas electrodes,electrolytes,andseparatorstoredefine industrystandards.
• ResearchandDevelopment:Mahermanagesa multidisciplinaryteamofscientistsandengineers, promotingacultureofinnovationandcollaboration. Hisroleinvolvesguidingtheteamtoexplorenew materials,optimizebatterydesigns,andacceleratethe transitionfromlab-scaleprototypestocommercially viableproducts.
• ProductDevelopmentandCommercialization:A keyobjectiveistobridgethegapbetweenacademic researchandindustrialapplications.Heensuresthat innovationsarenotjusttechnologicallyadvancedbut scalable,cost-effective,andalignedwithmarketneeds. Fromhigh-performancebatteriesfore-bikesand electricvehiclestogrid-scaleenergystoragesolutions, heleadseffortstotailorproductsfordiverse applications.
• SafetyandSustainability:Safetyisacoreaspectof innovation.Hespearheadstheintegrationofnonflammablematerialsandrobustdesignsthatenhance thesafetyofbatteriesunderextremeconditions. Simultaneously,hefocusesonsustainabilityby promotingeco-friendlymaterials,advancingrecycling methods,andreducingdependencyoncriticalraw materials.
• ScalingDomesticManufacturing:Oneofhiskey objectivesistoexpandU.S.manufacturingcapabilities, reducingrelianceonimportsandstrengtheningenergy independence.Bydevelopingstate-of-the-art productionfacilities,suchasthe150MWhfactoryin California,hehelpsestablisharobustdomesticsupply chainforlithium-ionbatteries.
• IntellectualPropertyandInnovationPortfolio: Maheroverseestheexpansionandprotectionof NanotechEnergy’sintellectualpropertyportfolio, whichincludesnearly200patents.Thisensuresthat technologicaladvancementsaresafeguarded,providing acompetitiveedgeintheglobalmarket.
Ultimately,heaimstopushtheboundariesofwhat’s possibleinenergystorage,ensuringthatNanotechEnergy remainsagloballeaderine-mobilityandsustainableenergy solutions.Seeingtheirworkcontributetoshapingacleaner, moreelectrifiedfutureisincrediblyrewarding.
HisexperiencewithFortune500companiesandstartups hasgivenhimauniqueperspectiveonleadership,enabling himtoblendthestrengthsofstructuredcorporate environmentswiththeagilityandinnovationofstartups.
AtFortune500companies,hegainedanappreciationfor theimportanceoflong-termstrategicplanning,operational excellence,andscalability Theseorganizationsoperate withwell-definedprocesses,rigorousqualitycontrols,anda focusonbuildingrobustsystems.Maherlearnedthevalue ofworkingcollaborativelyacrosslarge,diverseteamsand theimpactofusingestablishedinfrastructuretodrive outcomes.
Ontheotherhand,hisexperiencewithstartups,including co-foundingNanotechEnergy,taughthimthepowerof agility,creativity,andresilience.Startupsrequirea willingnesstoembracecalculatedrisks,pivotquicklywhen facedwithchallenges,andinnovatewithouttheconstraints ofbureaucracy.Leadershipinastartupenvironmentoften demandswearingmultiplehats,cultivatingastrongsense ofownershipamongteammembers,andmaintainingan unwaveringbeliefinthevision,eveninthefaceof uncertainty.
Theseexperienceshaveshapedhisapproachtoleadership byencouragingabalancedmindset.Hestrivestocombine thedisciplineandsystematicapproachhedevelopedin largerorganizationswiththeentrepreneurialspiritand adaptabilityofthestartupworld.Thismeanspromotinga cultureofinnovationwhileensuringtheyhavethestructure andprocessesneededtoscaleeffectively.Italsomeans empoweringhisteamtothinkboldly,experiment,andtake initiativewhileprovidingtheguidanceandresourcestostay alignedwiththeirgoals.
Ultimately,thisdiversebackgroundallowshimtoleadwith bothforesightandflexibility,ensuringtheorganizationcan steerchallengesandseizeopportunitiesinthee-mobility sector
Maher’spassionforhelpingearly-stagecompaniessucceed andprepareforIPOsisdirectlyalignedwithhisworkat NanotechEnergy,Inc.Fromitsinception;NanotechEnergy hasbeendrivenbyamissiontotranslateground-breaking researchintoreal-worldsolutionsthataddresspressing globalchallenges,suchascleanenergyandsustainability Guidingthecompanyfromitsearlydaystobecominga leaderinadvancedbatterytechnologyhasbeenoneofthe mostfulfillingexperiencesofhiscareer.
AtNanotechEnergy,theyhavemovedbeyondthelabto scaleinnovationsinlithium-ionbatteriesthataresafer, moreefficient,andtransformativeforindustrieslikeemobility,renewableenergystorage,andbeyond.This journey,frompioneeringscientificdiscoveriestolaunching their150MWhproductionfacilityinCalifornia,illustrates theprocessoftakingastartupthroughthephasesofgrowth andcommercialization.
ForNanotechEnergy,theupcomingexpansionofits productionfacilitiesanditscontinuedfocusoninnovation positionsitasastrongcandidateforIPOreadiness.Maher iscommittedtoensuringthatwhentheyreachthat milestone,theydosoinawaythatmaximizeslong-term valueforinvestors,employees,andsociety.Thisstepwill allowthemtoscaletheirimpactglobally,furthersolidifying NanotechEnergy’sroleintransformingtheenergysector.
Hisexperiencewithsupportingearly-stageventures, navigatingchallenges,andcreatingframeworksforsuccess hasshapedthecompany’strajectory,ensuringtheyare readyforthissteptowarddeliveringsustainable,longlastingsolutionsforabetterfuture.
AccordingtoMaher,thegrowthofe-mobilitydependson practicalinnovationsthatovercomecurrentchallengesand makeelectricvehicleseasyandappealingforindividuals andindustries.Onekeytechnologicaladvancementisthe continualimprovementinbatterytechnology.Developing batterieswithhigherenergydensity,fastercharging capabilities,andenhancedsafetyfeaturesisessential.
AtNanotechEnergy,thefocusisonthese aspects—innovatingatthecoreofbatterydesigntomake energystoragemorepowerful,safer,andmoresustainable. Theseimprovementswillgivedriverstheconfidencethey need,whetherfordailycommutesorlong-distancetravel whilereducingtheanxietythatoftencomeswithrange limitations.
Charginginfrastructureisanotherareathatwillhavea transformativeimpact.It’snotjustabouthavingmore chargingstationsbutmakingthemfaster,smarter,andmore accessible.Imaginepullinguptoachargerthatcanrefuel yourbatteryinthetimeittakestograbacupofcoffee.This kindofconveniencewillmakee-mobilityanaturalchoice foreveryone.Withadvancementsinwirelessandultra-fast charging,integratingintelligentchargingnetworksthat optimizeenergydistributionwillcreateaseamlesssystem forusersandeasethestrainonenergygrids.
Infrastructureisn’tlimitedtochargingbutextendstothe manufacturingandsupplychainecosystem.Buildingrobust domesticmanufacturingcapabilitiesforbatteriesis essential,especiallyintheUnitedStates,wheretheshareof globalbatteryproductionisstilltiny.Byscalingup domesticproduction,dependenceonimportscanbe reduced,costslowered,andjobscreatedwhileensuringthe technologyisbuilttothehigheststandards.Thiseffort supportsboththegrowthofe-mobilityandthebroadergoal ofenergyindependence.
Finally,themostimpactfulchangeswillcomefrompolicy support,consumereducation,andindustrycollaboration. Whengovernments,industries,andinnovatorswork
togethertoaligngoalsandresources,thetransitiontoemobilitybecomesmorethanatechnologicalevolution—it becomesasocietalmovement.Whenrealizedholistically, theseadvancementswillmakee-mobilitynotjustanoption butthemostappealingandlogicalchoiceforasustainable future.
Hebelievesmanagingwork-lifebalanceinafast-paced, innovation-drivenenvironmentisaconstanteffort.Still,it’s oneheprioritizesbecauseitallowshimtoperform professionallyandpersonallyathisbest.Maherhaslearned thatbalancedoesn’tmeansplittingtimeequally—it’sabout beingfullypresentinthemoment,whetheratworkorwith family
InhisroleasChiefScienceandTechnologyOfficer,the demandscanberelentless,withnewchallengesand opportunitiesemergingdaily.Tosteerthis,hefocuseson settingclearpriorities.Atwork,heensuresthathistimeis devotedtodecisionsandinitiativesthatimpacttheir missionmost.Byempoweringhisteamtotakeownership oftheirrolesandpromotingacollaborativeculture,he reducesthepressuretomicromanage,whichfreesuphis bandwidthforstrategicthinkingandinnovation.
Equallyimportantisthetimehespendswithhisfamily.His daughter,Jasmine,remindshimoftheimportanceof slowingdownandbeingpresent.Whetherhelpingherwith schoolworkorsimplyenjoyingaquieteveningtogether, thesemomentsgroundhimandgivehimperspectiveon whyhedoeswhathedoes.Healsocarvesouttimefor
“
personalreflectionthroughexercise,reading,orevenbrief momentsofmindfulness,whichhelpshimrechargeand stayfocused.
Maherhasalsocometoappreciatethevalueofboundaries. Whiletechnologyallowsustostayconnectedaroundthe clock,heconsciouslycreatesspaceforhimselfandhis familybylimitingwork-relatedinterruptionsduring personaltime.It’sadeliberatechoicetoensurethathe’s physicallypresentandmentallyengagedwiththosewho mattermost.
Ultimately,work-lifebalanceislessaboutperfectionand moreaboutadaptability.Therearetimeswhenwork demandsmoreofhim,andtherearetimeswhenfamily takesprecedence.Thekeyisrecognizingthatbothare essentialandfindingwaystointegratetheminanaturaland fulfillingway Thisbalancenotonlyhelpshimlead effectivelyatNanotechEnergybutalsoallowshimtostay connectedtowhattrulyinspiresandmotivateshim.
InMaher’sopinion,stayinginnovativeandmaintaininga competitiveedgerequiresadeepcommitmenttocuriosity, adaptability,andaclearvisionforthefuture.Innovationis atthecoreofeverythingtheydoatNanotechEnergy,where theyarerevolutionizinglithium-ionbatterytechnology.For him,thisdrivestemsfromhisjourney—fromfoundational
researchatUCLAtobuildinganindustry-leadingenergy solutionscompany
Innovationbeginswithstayinginformed.Heactively followsemergingtrends,researchbreakthroughs,and technologicaladvancementsacrossvariousfields, especiallythoseintersectinghisenergystorageand materialssciencework.Attendingconferences,reading scientificjournals,andengagingwiththoughtleaders ensureshecontinuouslylearnsandexpandshisknowledge base.
HisworkongrapheneatUCLA,whereheexploredits potentialtotransformenergystorage,taughthimthevalue ofpushingboundaries.Thatfoundationcontinuestofuelhis approachtoinnovationatNanotechEnergy.Hebelievesin connectingmodernsciencewithreal-worldapplications, whichmeansconstantlyquestioningwhat’spossibleand seekingbetterwaystoachieveit.Whetherit’senhancing thesafetyandenergydensityofbatteriesorexploringnew materialsforemergingapplications,heapproachesevery challengewiththemindsetthatthere’salwaysroomfor improvement.
Collaborationhasalsobeenakeydriverofhisinnovation. AtNanotechEnergy,heleadsmultidisciplinaryteamsthat combineexpertisefromdiversefields,encouragingopen dialogueandcreativeproblem-solving.Thiscrosspollinationofideasiswheretrueinnovationhappens.He
alsostaysconnectedtoacademiaandthebroaderscientific community,whichallowshimtoremainattheforefrontof advancementsandintegratecutting-edgeresearchintotheir work.
Anotheressentialfactorisadaptability Theenergysectoris growing,andstayingcompetitivemeansbeingreadyto pivotwhenneeded.Whetherit’srespondingtomarket demands,integratingnewtechnologies,orscaling production,heembraceschangeasanopportunityfor growth.AtNanotechEnergy,thishasmeanttransitioning fromresearchprototypestolaunchingastate-of-the-art productionfacilityinCalifornia,positioningthemas leadersinacriticalindustry
Finally,hestaysinnovativebystayinggroundedinthe impactoftheirwork.Thetechnologiestheydeveloparenot justproductsbutsolutionstosomeoftheworld’smost pressingchallenges,fromreducinggreenhousegas emissionstoadvancingenergyindependence.Thissenseof purposemotivateshimtostriveforexcellence,ensuring thattheirbreakthroughsatNanotechEnergycontributetoa cleaner,safer,andmoresustainablefuture.
Heseesthenextfewyearsasanexcitingchapter, personallyandforNanotechEnergy,astheycontinueto pushtheboundariesofenergystoragetechnologyandmake meaningfulcontributionstotheelectrificationmovement. Hisgoalsalignwiththecompany’smissiontoinnovate, scale,andleadtheglobaltransitiontosustainableenergy solutions.
ForNanotechEnergy,oneoftheprimarymilestonesisthe expansionofmanufacturingcapabilities.Thenew150MWh productionfacilityinCaliforniaisjustthebeginning. Scalingproductiontomeetthegrowingglobaldemandfor advancedlithium-ionbatteriesisessentialastheyposition themselvesasleaders.
MaherenvisionsNanotechEnergyasatechnology innovatorandakeypartofadomesticenergystorage supplychain,reducingdependenceonimportsand strengtheningU.S.energyindependence.
Anotherkeyfocusisbringingnext-generationbatteriesto market.Byintegratingadvancementslikenon-flammable electrolytes,higherenergydensity,andextendedcyclelife, NanotechEnergyaimstorevolutionizeindustriessuchasemobility,grid-scaleenergystorage,andconsumer
electronics.Theseproductsarenotjustabout performance—they’reaboutcreatingsafer,more sustainablesolutionsthatredefinewhat’spossibleinenergy storage.
Onapersonallevel,heremainsdeeplycommittedto drivinginnovation.Hisworkongrapheneandadvanced materialshasalwaysbeenrootedinturningfundamental scienceintotransformativetechnologies.Overthenextfew years,heaimstocontinueexploringnewmaterialsand chemistries,pushingforwardinnovationsthatcanaddress emergingchallengesinenergyandsustainability
Heisalsopassionateaboutmentoringandinspiringthe nextgenerationofscientistsandengineers.AtNanotech EnergyandUCLA,heaimstocreateopportunitiesfor youngresearcherstocontributetobreakthrough discoveries,promotingacultureofcollaborationand curiositythatwilldrivetheindustryforward.
Finally,heseesanimportantmilestoneinpreparing NanotechEnergyforitsnextgrowthphase.Thiswill positionthemtoscalefurther,attractnewinvestments,and expandtheirglobalfootprint,enablingthemtomakean evenmoresignificantimpactontheenergystoragemarket andbeyond.
Ultimately,hispersonalandprofessionalgoalsconvergeon asharedvision:todriveinnovationsthatsolvetoday’s problemsandshapeamoresustainableandelectrified future.Whetherthroughadvancingtechnology,scaling operations,ormentoringthenextwaveofinnovators,heis committedtoensuringthattheirworkatNanotechEnergy leavesalastinglegacyforgenerations.
- By Akshay Prasad, Senior Engagement Manager, Arthur D. Little
Astheworld’sdesiretoachievedecarbonization
intensifies,aninnovativesolutionisemerging. Electricvehicle(EV)conversion(converting existinginternalcombustionengine[ICE]vehiclesinto EVs)offersapractical,cost-effectivewaytoelectrify thetransportsector,enablingemergingeconomiesto acceleratetheirsustainabilityjourney ThisViewpoint looksathowEVconversioncandrive decarbonization,especiallyinemergingmarketssuch asSoutheastAsia(SEA).
Carbon-neutralfuelsandEVsarebothviablewaysto combatpollutionfromthetransportsector.However, carbon-neutralfuelsareexpensive,requirealotof energytoproduce,andhavenear-termscalability issues,whileEVadoptiondoesnotsolvetheproblemof pollutionfromexistingICEvehicles.Thefocusofthis Viewpoint,EVconversion,offersamorepractical solutionfordecarbonizingthetransportsector, particularlyinemergingmarketslikeSEA.
EVconversionandretrofitkitsofferawaytoconvert traditionalICEpowertrainsintoelectricones, significantlyreducingcarbonemissionsfromICE vehicles.EVconversionkitscan:
AccelerateEVadoptionbymakingthemmore accessibleandaffordable.
Createacirculareconomybyextendingthelifecycle ofICEvehicles.
Tackletherootcauseofemissionsbytargetingthe existingbaseofICEvehicles.
Climatechange,enhancingairquality,andreducing fossilfueldependencyarebeingaddressedataglobal levelthroughinitiativesliketheParisAgreementand theConferenceoftheParties(COP)summits.Basedon currentclimateprojections,achievingglobalnet-zero emissionsby2050andlimitingglobalwarmingto1.5 degreesCelsiusabovepreindustriallevelsarecritical.
BasedondatafromtheInternationalEnergyAgency (IEA),thetransportsectorisresponsiblefornearly37% ofglobalCO2emissions(fromend-usesectorsin 2021),soaddressingvehicleemissionsmustbeatop priority.Morespecifically,thesectorisresponsiblefor
15%-35%oftotalCO2emissionsintheUS,India,and China,accordingtoADLanalysis.Passengerand commercialvehiclesarethelargestemissionssources, underscoringtheimportanceofelectrifyingthem.
Countriesaroundtheworldhaveannouncedtargets centeredaroundreducingemissionsfromthetransport sector.Forexample,theEUaimstoreducetransport emissionsbyatleast90%by2050comparedto1990 levels.ChinawantsEVstorepresent50%ofnewcar salesby2035.TheUSaimstohavezero-emission vehicles,whichconstitute50%ofallnewpassenger vehiclessoldby2030,withastrongpushforlocal productionviapoliciesliketheInflationReductionAct. NorwayandtheNetherlandshavedeclaredplansto banthesaleofnewICEvehiclesby2025and2030, respectively.MostmajorSEAcountrieshave announcedambitiouselectrificationtargetstostayin linewithglobaltrends.
Carbon-neutralfuelsdonotgeneratenetCO2 emissionswhenburnedorused,andtheyuse sustainableproductionmethodstoreduceoroffset carbonemissionsthroughouttheirlifecycle.Synthetic fuel,hydrogen,ammonia,offsetfuel,andbiofuelare examplesofcarbon-neutralfuels.Biofuelshave receivedconsiderableattentionasapotentialsolution fordecarbonizingthetransportsector,butthereare severalchallengestotheirwidespreadadoption.s
Technologieslikebioenergywithcarboncaptureand storage(BECCS)(athird-generationbiofuel)and cellulosicethanolproduction(asecond-generation biofuel)areCAPEX-intensiveandrequirecapture facilitiesandtransportpipelines.Theirunderground storagesitesnecessitateintricateengineering,geologic assessments,andcompliancewithsafetyand environmentalregulations.Establishingbiomass feedstocksupplychains,conversionfacilities,and refiningfacilitiesarealsoCAPEX-intensive.Thisiswhy secondandthird-generationbiofuelscost1.7-2.3times morethanfossilfuels,makingthemcommercially unviable.
Hydrogenfuelscalabilityishinderedbytheenergyintensiveandcostlynatureofelectrolysis(theprimary methodofproduction).Scalabilityisfurtherhindered bythelowavailabilityofrenewableenergysources requiredforsustainablehydrogenproduction.
Similarly,biofuelproduction-whichinvolvescomplex, energy-intensiveprocesseslikeFischer-Tropsch synthesisandpyrolysis-requiressubstantial investmentsinequipment,infrastructure,and feedstock.
Giventhechallengesassociatedwithcarbon-neutral fuels,electrificationofthetransportsectorhas emergedasthepreferredpathwaytodecarbonization.
EVpenetrationacrossalltransportmodes(excluding two-wheelers[2Ws]/three-wheelers[3Ws])is projectedtoreachonly145millionvehicles,accounting for7%oftheroadvehiclefleetby2030,accordingto forecastsbyIEA.Therearethreemainreasons.First, higherup-frontcostscomparedtoICEvehicles discourageadoptiondespiteEVshavingalowertotal costofownership.Second,theunderdeveloped charginginfrastructure,withascarcityofcharging pointsandslowchargingspeeds,createsrangeanxiety andinconvenienceforEVowners.Thisisaclassic “chickenandegg”dilemma:charginginfrastructure providersarehesitanttoinvestinthemarketuntilEVs reachcriticalmass,andconsumersarereluctantto embraceEVswithoutawell-established,widespread charginginfrastructure.Third,thelimitedavailabilityof EVmodelscomparedtoICEvehiclesrestricts consumerchoiceandaffordability.Globally,theratioof ICE:EVmodelsis13:1.EveninChina,whichhasmade hugestridesinEVadoption,theratiostandsat2.2:1, andemergingeconomieslikeThailandhavearatioof 9.7:1.
WoodMackenzieforecastsglobalEVstocktoreach 323millionby2040.Whencomparedtothe approximately1.4billionICEvehiclesoperating worldwidein2022(accordingtoHedges&Company), theurgentneedforaninnovativesolutiontoeffectively reducegreenhousegas(GHG)emissionsfromexisting vehiclestockbecomesclear.
EVconversionhasthepotentialtoswiftlydecarbonize thetransportsectorbytransformingconventionalICE powertrainsintoelectricones.Inthissection,we exploretheadvantagesandopportunitiesofferedby EVconversion.
EVconversionsignificantlyreducestheup-frontcosts associatedwithpurchasinganewEV.Mid-rangeEVs costbetweenUS$40,000-$50,000. conversion kitforavehiclewitharangeof250kilometers(km)and powercapacityof25-30kilowatthourscostsaround $11,000,asavingsof66%.InplaceslikeSEA,where costconsiderationsplayacrucialroleinconsumer decision-making,EVconversionoffersamuchmore affordablepathwaytoelectrictransport.
AmidsizedICEvehicleproducesapproximately24tons ofCO2duringitslifecycle.Around5.6tonsofthatCO2 comesfromthecarbonfootprintoftheproduction process,withabout75%ofthatcontributedbythe steelusedinthevehicle’sstructure.Steelproductionis energy-intensive,accountingforaround8%ofglobal CO2emissions,accordingtoindustrydata.
Technologiesdesignedtodecarbonizesteelproduction (e.g.,carboncaptureandstorage,electricarcfurnaces, andhydrogen-baseddirect-reducediron)stillface significantchallenges.Incontrast,EVconversion prolongsthelifespanofexistingICEvehicles,resulting indecreaseddemandfornewvehiclesand,thus, carbon-intensivematerialslikesteel.Reduceddemand wouldeliminateasubstantialamountofCO2emissions associatedwiththevehicle-manufacturingprocess.
- By Carlijn Nouwen
Sustainabilityhasbeenahottopicforawhile.Though ithasitsupsanddowns,tailwindsandheadwinds, andpresentsadifferenttypeandlevelofriskand opportunityindifferentsectors,mostexecutivesthinkabout theenvironmentalsustainabilityoftheirbusinessandthe roletheyshould,can,andwanttoplayinhaltingand reversingclimatechange.
Yetsustainabilityneedstobeaboutsomuchmore.Atruly sustainablebusinessisfuture-proofinallitsaspects.It understandsandexploresfuturemarketsandensuresaccess tothecapitalandlaborcapacityitneeds,aswellasto energy,primarymaterials,andothercrucialinputs. Businesssustainabilityisasmuchaboutmaintaining competitiveadvantageasitisaboutunderstandingthat futuredriversofcompetitiveadvantagearelikelytobe fundamentallydifferentfromcurrentonesandbeingableto adjusttothat.
Forallthosereasons,executiveswouldbewisetopay attentiontothecontinentofAfrica.Hometo40%ofthe world’suntappedrenewableenergypotential,40%of relevantcriticalmineraldeposits,and40%oftheglobal workforceby2050,itistheonegloballocationwhere accesstoenergy,primarymaterials,andlaborforcecome togetherinabundance.Demographicdynamicsalsodrive futuremarketpotential.Forexample,Africaisthecontinent withthebiggestbuildingstockyettobebuilt–bothin buildingsandininfrastructure,as40%ofallnewglobal citydwellersbetweennowand2050willliveinAfrican cities.Asanincreasinglyhighlyeducatedandconnected youngpopulationstartstheirworkinglife,risingliving standardswilldriveincreasedandincreasinglydiversified andsophisticatedlocalconsumption.
LimitedexistingAfricanindustrialcapacityhaslongbeena deterrentforinvestors,butinanerawherecompletelynew industrialprocessesareneededtomeetfuturedemand
sustainably,theabsenceoflegacyinfrastructureallows Africancountriestodevelopgreen-from-the-startcapacity morerapidly.Greenironandsteelareacaseinpoint: typicalhydrogen-poweredgreensteelelectricarcfurnace processesarecompletelydifferentfromtraditionalsteel millsandaremoreeasilybuiltfromscratchthanachieved throughconversionofexistingcapacity
AttheinauguralAfricaClimateSummitinSeptember 2023,theAfricanUnionembracedthenotionthatAfrica canprovideglobalclimatesolutionsanddriveeconomic growthanddevelopmentindoingso(alsoknownas ClimatePositiveGrowth).Africangovernments, innovators,industrialistsandinstitutionalinvestorsare lookingforglobalpartners–acrossinvestment,innovation, andoff-take,todevelopAfrica’spotentialandtohelp preservealivableplanetforallofmankind.
TransformativeleadersrecognizeAfrica’sintrinsic competitivenessinafutureinwhichwemustradically greeneverythingweconsumeandproduce.Andtheylean in–asinvestors,asinnovators,andintheircapacityto shapeandinfluenceregulation.Responsibleleadersdonot trytodoeverythingtheycantoholdontothestatusquo–eveniftheyareinacomfortablepositionrightnow Instead,theyleanintoshapetheworldweneed.Bothin thechoicestheymakeintheirownbusinesses,inthe partnershipstheyshapeanddriveandintheirengagement withmarket-shapingrules,regulationsandpractices. Future-orientedleaderssucceedwhentheyhelpmankind thrive–andseekoutAfrica’sdiverseandvastpotentialto doso.
“Leaders in e-mobility are not just driving innovation—they are steering the world toward a sustainable, clean, and electrified future.”
Aswelookforwardtoentering2025,theEVmarket
isduefortremendousgrowth.Thishasbeen broughtforthbyacombinationofgovernmental policies,improvementsintechnology,andchanging customerpreferences.Assuch,herearesomemajorfactors thatwoulddrivetheadaptationofe-mobilityintothenext comingyears.
Chargingdepotsareimportantandplayacentralrolein determiningtheextenttowhichuseofEVscanbe enhanced.Themostimportantcharacteristiclikelytogrow in2025isthenumberofchargingstations.Bulkelectricity providers,automakers,andotherprivateentitiesarerising tothechallengeandinstallinghighpowerchargersthatcut chargingtimesdramaticallyandaddingconveniencetoEV consumers.
Bi-directionalchargingstations,abbreviatedV2Gconnects thepowerfromthegridandsuppliesitbackbytheEV’s.It alsoaddressesthegridstabilityissuewhilealsomakingthe EVownersfinanciallyrewardedthroughenergymarkets.
Mostofthenewchargingstationsareconnectedto renewablepowersourcessuchassolarandwindpower, meaningtheuseofEVshasasmallerimpactonthe environment.
Governmentpolicieshavebecomethedecisivefactorsin definingthee-mobilitylandscape.Taxbreaksandrebates offeredtoconsumershavemadeEVsmuchmoreaffordable fortheaverageconsumerinmostregions.InIndia,the governmenthasrecentlydeclaredthatitwouldsetup chargingstationsforelectricvehiclesatall69,000petrol stationsinthecountryandensureinstallationof500,000 chargingstationsby2030.
Shiftingfromdirectsubsidiestobudget-neutral"feebate" programsmaycreatetheimpetusforconsumerstoprefer EVsovertheirICEcounterpartsbytaxinginefficient vehiclestopayforasubsidyforlow-emissionones.Even asfederalincentivesfluctuatewithchangingpolitical climates,moststate-levelprogramsareveryrobust, especiallyinregionsthathavemadecommitmentsto sustainabletransportation.
Thebarrierspresentdictatetheneedtoenhancethe technologicalfactorsthatsupporttheadoptionofEVs.New batteriesarebeingdeveloped,whicharemakingbatteriesin EVstostoremoreenergyandcostlesscomparedto conventionalvehicles.
• Fast-ChargingInfrastructure:Themainchallenges thatwillneedtobesolvedbeforemorepeopleswitch toelectricvehiclesistheproblemofrange.Charging infrastructureinpublicandprivatechargingnetworks meansthatconsumerscanconvenientlychargetheir vehicleswhenevertheyfeellike.
• ImprovedAutomotiveCharacteristics:The sensationsadrivergetswhileridinganelectriccar, includingsilenceandtheneedforashortstopfor charging,remainpopularamongpeoplewholookfor newformsoftransportation.
Oneoftheverycrucialfactorswouldbetobuildconsumer awarenessandeducationabouthowelectricvehiclescan increasetherateofadoption.Higherlevelsofacceptance wouldbeassumedwithmoreeducatedconsumersabout advantageslikelowerrunningcostsandother environmentalbenefitsfromusingEvs.
Thereisaneedtoundertakeeducationalcampaigns targetinggovernmentandindustrystakeholdersregarding long-termsavingsonowninganEVcomparedtothe traditionaltypes.Testdriveeventscanhelpcustomers experiencefirsthandthebenefitsofdrivinganelectric vehicle,whichwouldincreaseconsumerconfidencein makingapurchase.
Managementofe-mobilitytransitionrequiresco-ordination ofanumberofplayersfrompolicymakerstocar manufacturers,energyutilitiesandconsumers.
• Public-PrivatePartnerships:Jointeffortscanfacilitate imminentdeploymentofcharginginfrastructureand promotethetechnologythatisnecessaryforbroad deploymentofelectricvehicles.
• GlobalInitiatives:Multilateralorganizationslikethe A2Zcoalitionwiththeworldwidevisiontoseeany newcarsaletobeanelectriccarbytheyear2040has thepowertodriveorencourageamulti-sectoral approachtoe-mobility.
Allofthiswillhappenintheadoptionofe-mobilityby 2025throughseveralfactors:increasingcharging infrastructure,supportivepolicies,technological innovation,growingawareness,andcooperativeeffort amongthepartiesinvolved.Andwithpropersolutioninall ofthese,asustainablefutureawaitsuswhereinelectric vehiclesbecomecentraltotransportsystems.
Aswemoveforwardtothisnewepochofmobility,all factorsconnectedmustcollaboratewiththisunitedfocus: buildingonacleanertransportationsystem,therebymaking itallthemoreefficientandtherebybeneficialfor everybody.Whatwedotodaycanmakeorbreakemobility.
Inthedynamiclandscapeofmodernorganizations,the
essenceofleadershipremainsunwavering:toinspire andguideindividualsinalignmentwiththecollective vision.Astechnologycontinuesitsrapidevolution,the imperativeforleadershiptoadaptandharnessdigital capabilitiesbecomesincreasinglyvital.
Greatleadershipinthedigitalerahingesupon cultivatingcuriosityandempoweringindividualsto leveragetheirinnatetalentstowardssharedobjectives. Theemergenceofdigitaltoolspresentsunparalleled opportunitiesforleadershipinnovation,amplifyingthe capacitytoaccessandutilizeinformationforstrategic decision-making.However,amidstthisdigital transformation,organizationsareconfrontedwitha pressingchallenge:howtoeffectivelyharnessthese technologicaladvancementswhileensuring organizationalreadinessanddirection.
Thesechallengesresonateacrossindustriesglobally, promptingacollectivecalltoexplore,collaborate,and shareinsightsintosuccessfulmodelsfornavigating digitalchange.
Learningorganizationsandmanagementcommitment arekeyfactorsinthesuccessofdigitaltransformation
Ourapproachtofosteringdigitalleadershipbegins withtheestablishmentofalearningorganization. Throughinitiativessuchaslearningcirclesand innovators'growthpaths,wecultivateabroader understandingofdigitalconceptsandtechnologies. Learningcirclesserveasplatformsfortestingand experimentingwithnewtechnologies,solutions,and processes,fosteringacultureofsharedexplorationand excitement.Meanwhile,innovators'growthpathsplay apivotalroleinenhancingpracticaldigitalcompetence andbridgingcompetencygapswithinourorganization.
However,noneoftheseendeavorscanflourishwithout theunwaveringdedicationofcommittedleadership. Drivingmanagementcommitmenttodigital transformationismosteffectivelyachievedthrough comprehensivemanagementcoaching,fosteringactive engagementfromleaders.
Thecruxliesnotinisolatedinitiativesbutinfosteringa cultureofsustainedchangeandperpetuallearning.To embedlastingchange,wehaveestablishedadedicated unittaskedwithprovidingongoingsupportand guidancefordigitaltransformation.Thisunitis instrumentalinensuringthecontinuityofrenewal effortsandprovidingvitalsupportthroughoutthe digitaltransition,therebyfosteringenduring organizationalchange.
Throughtheseinitiatives,welaythegroundworkfor effectiveleadershipamidstthedigitalupheaval,placing apremiumontheworkforce'scapacityforcontinuous renewal.Itisimperativetoidentifycriticalcompetency areaswithintheorganizationandbridgethe competencygapbetweenthecurrentstateandthe desiredfuturestate.Thisentailsnotonlysourcingand hiringtherequisiteexpertisebutalsoretainingcritical talentwithintheorganization.Weachievethisby craftingmotivatinglearningpathwaysthatinspireand engagetalentedindividuals,ensuringtheirongoing developmentalignswithorganizationalgoals.
Digitaltransformationentailsafundamentalshiftin mindsetandoperationalparadigms.Thepaceof leadershipmustacceleratetokeeppacewith technologicaladvancementsthatchallengetraditional approaches.Thisnecessitatesareevaluationof
operationalprocesses,leadershipframeworks,and workmethodologiesthroughafreshlens.
OvercomingBureaucraticHurdles:PavingtheWayfor DigitalEvolution
Organizations,particularlywithinthepublicsector, mayfacehurdlesrootedinentrenchedbureaucracy, hinderingreadinessfordigitalevolution.Overcoming theseobstaclesdemandsthestreamliningofoutdated processestofacilitatetheadvancementofdigital leadershipandnewtechnologies.
Effectivedigitalleadershiphingesonrecognizingthat technologyismerelyatool;thecruxliesin transformingmindsetsandworkmethodologies. Considertheintegrationofgenerativeartificial intelligencewithinanorganization.Whilethebenefits
areevident,successfulimplementationhingesona holisticshiftinmindset,fosteringentirelynew operationalapproachescenteredaroundleveraging technologyforstrategicadvantage,ratherthanmerely digitizingexistingworkflows.
Drivingorganizationalchangenecessitatesaligningthe entireworkforce'schangecapability,incentives,and competencies.Externalexpertiseoftenproves invaluableinthisendeavor,offeringfreshperspectives andguidingthedevelopmentofeffectiveoperating models.
Engagingthe10-20%ofenthusiasticindividualswithin theorganizationwhoembracechangeyields transformativeresults.Theirenthusiasmcatalyzes smoothadoptionacrosstheorganization,inspiringthe remaining60-70%toeagerlyembracethe
transformation.However,despitebestefforts,asmall percentagemayresistchange,necessitatingproactive measurestomitigateturnover.
Measuringthesuccessofleadershipandorganizational digitalizationhastraditionallyreliedonmetricssuchas theadoptionofdigitaltools,increasedefficiency,and acceleratedoperationalprocesses.Whilethese indicatorsarevaluable,evaluatingtheimpactofchange throughthelensofdataoffersamorecomprehensive understandingofsuccess.
Attheheartofeffectivedigitalleadershipliesthe conceptofa'digitalfootprint'—thetraceleftby organizationalactivitiesacrossvariousdigital platforms.Analyzingthisfootprintprovidesinsights thatcansteertheorganizationmorepreciselytowards itsgoalsandenabletargetedguidanceforbothgroups andindividuals.Despitebeinginitsnascentstages,the evaluationofdigitalfootprintsispoisedto revolutionizeleadershippractices,offeringanew dimensionfororganizationaldirection.
Whilediscussionsarounddata-drivenleadershipare notnew,truedigitaltransformationunlocksthe potentialfordeeperdataanalysis,leveragingtoolssuch asdataanalyticsandartificialintelligence.As organizationsembracethesecapabilities,theyposition themselvesattheforefrontofdigitalinnovation,paving thewayformoreinformeddecision-makingand strategicplanning.
Therapidpaceoftechnologicaladvancement introducesanabundanceofnewtools,potentially leadingto'technologyblindness.'Amidstthis innovation,there'sariskofover-relianceontechnology tosolvehuman-centricproblems.Leadership, fundamentallyaboutguidingandinspiringpeople,must strikeabalancebetweenleveragingtechnologyfor efficiencyandmaintaininghumanconnection.
Changemanagementiscrucialindigitalleadership,as navigatingchangeinvolvesinherentchallenges, includingfearandresistance,exacerbatedby technologicaldisruption.Gradual,experiential
approaches,incorporatingincrementalstepsand trustedguidance,fosterskillacquisitionanddrive innovation.
Inthedigitalage,effectiveleadershipentailsblending technologicalexpertisewithempathetichuman connection.Prioritizingpeople-centricpractices enablesorganizationstonavigatechangeconfidently andresilientlyamidsttechnologicaladvancements.
Intoday'sdigitallandscape,effectiveleadership requiresadiverseskillset.Keyattributesinclude curiosity,awillingnesstoexperiment,andtheabilityto adaptswiftlytochange.Activelyseekingknowledge, engagingincross-sectordialogue,andfostering internationalconnectionsarecrucialelementsofthis approach.
Apoignantexampleofcross-boundarylearningand curiosityunfoldedattheSouthbySouthwestevent. There,IengagedinaconversationwiththeCEOofa localtechnologyfirmwhoexpressedhowthisgathering consistentlysparksfreshideasandperspectives.South bySouthwestepitomizesthisethosbyconverging technology,arts,andkeysocietalthemes,transcending conventionalboundaries,andfosteringinnovation. Sucheventsserveascatalystsfortheevolutionand rejuvenationofdigitalleadership.
Technologicaladvancements,exemplifiedbygenerative artificialintelligenceandXRtechnologies,demandagile responses.Successhingesonembracingchange, supportingteamsthroughcoachingandinspiring learningpathways,andprioritizinghuman-centricity andcuriosity
Aswenavigatethecomplexitiesofthedigitalworld, thisholisticleadershipapproachwilldrive transformationandsustainablesuccess.
“Revving up for a future where every journey is an adventure”
- By Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group
Climatechangeisnolongeradistant,abstract issue—itisareal,urgentanddefiningchallenge. Itsimpactsarebeingfeltacrosstheglobe,from morefrequentandsevereweathereventstodisruptionsin ecosystemsandsupplychains.Fororganisationalleaders, thesechangespresentbothsubstantialrisksandnovel opportunities.Addressingclimatechangeisnolongerjust thedomainofpolicymakersorenvironmentalcampaigners; itisacriticalresponsibilityforleadersineverysector Integratingclimateconsiderationsintostrategicthinkingis essentialforensuringlong-termsuccessandresilience.In thisarticleIsuggestafewwaysinwhichtoapproachthis.
Climate-relatedrisksaremultifacetedandfar-reaching.For businessesandorganisations,theycanbebroadly categorisedintophysical,transitional,andreputational risks.
Thephysicalimpactsofclimatechange—risingsealevels, extremeweathereventsandshiftingweatherpatterns—pose directthreatstooperationsandassets.Businesseswith physicalinfrastructureinvulnerableareasfacepotential damagefromstorms,floodsorwildfires.Supplychainscan alsobedisruptedasextremeweatheraffectstransport networks,agriculturalyieldsandresourceavailability.For example,aprolongeddroughtcouldleadtohighercostsfor water-intensiveindustries,whilefloodingcoulddisrupt logisticsandproductionschedules.
Astheworldmovestowardalow-carboneconomy, organisationsfacetransitionalrisksstemmingfrom regulatorychanges,technologicaladvancementsandmarket dynamics.Governmentsareincreasinglyadoptingpolicies toreducecarbonemissions,suchascarbonpricing,stricter emissionsstandardsandrenewableenergymandates.
Companiesthatfailtoadapttothesenewregulationsrisk fines,higheroperatingcosts,orevenobsolescence. Meanwhile,technologicalinnovationisdrivingthe adoptionofcleanenergytechnologiesandresource-efficient processes,sothat–similarly–thosewhofighttoretainthe statusquoriskbeingleftbehindormanagingstranded assets.
Inaneraofincreasedpublicawarenessandscrutiny, reputationalrisksarealsoasignificantconcernfor organisations.Companiesperceivedaslaggingonclimate actionrisklosingmarketshare,investorconfidenceand talent.Conversely,thoseseenasleadersinclimate responsibilityoftenenjoyenhancedbrandloyaltyand marketdifferentiation.
Whiletherisksarerealandsubstantial,theopportunities presentedbyclimatechangearealsoimportanttoconsider carefully,ifonlytohelpmaintainsomeoptimism.Forwardthinkingorganisationsthatembraceclimateactioncan positionthemselvesasleadersintheemerginglow-carbon economy.
Thetransitiontoasustainableeconomyisspurring innovationacrossindustries.Businessesthatinvestin renewableenergy,energyefficiencyandsustainable materialsarenotonlyreducingtheirenvironmentalimpact butalsocreatingnewproductsandservicesthatcatertothe growingdemandforsustainablealternatives.Forinstance, therapidgrowthofelectricvehiclesandrenewableenergy technologieshascreatednewmarketsandrevenuestreams forcompaniesthatanticipatedtheseshifts.Inaddition, adoptingsustainablepracticesoftenleadstosignificantcost savings.Energy-efficientbuildings,renewableenergy sourcesandwastereductioninitiativescanloweroperating
costswhileimprovingresiliencetopricevolatilityin traditionalenergymarkets.
Therearealsopotentialbenefitsintermsofattracting capital.Investorsareincreasinglyprioritising environmental,socialandgovernance(ESG)factorsintheir decision-making.Companieswithstrongclimatestrategies aremorelikelytoattractinvestmentfromfundsthatfocus onsustainability.Greenbondsandotherformsof sustainablefinancingarebecomingmorewidelyavailable, offeringorganisationsadditionalresourcestofundtheir climateinitiatives.Lookingbeyondfinancialreturns, organisationsthatanticipateclimaterisksarebetter positionedtowithstanddisruptionsandadapttochanging conditions.Buildingclimateresilienceintosupplychains, operationsandinfrastructurenotonlymitigatesriskbutalso strengthensanorganisation’sabilitytonavigateuncertainty
Furthermore,sustainabilityisakeydriverofengagement foremployeesandconsumersalike.Manyemployeeswant toworkforcompaniesthatalignwiththeirvalues,and consumersareincreasinglymakingpurchasingdecisions basedonacompany’senvironmentalcredentials.Bytaking aproactiveapproachtoclimateaction,organisationscan attractandretaintoptalentandbuildstrongerrelationships withtheircustomers.
Toaddresstherisksandopportunitiesassociatedwith climatechangefully,organisationalleadersmustintegrate climateconsiderationsintotheirstrategicthinking.This requiresaholisticandforward-thinkingapproachthatgoes beyondincrementalchangesandembracestransformational leadership.
Sothatthiscanbedonestructurally,climateconsiderations mustbeintegratedintoanorganisation’sgovernance structures.Thisincludesincorporatingclimate-relatedrisks andopportunitiesintoboarddiscussions,settingclear climategoals,andensuringaccountabilitythroughregular reportingandperformanceevaluations.Leadersshouldalso ensurethatclimateactionisembeddedintheorganisation’s valuesandmission,aligningitwithlong-termbusiness objectives.
Havingputgovernanceinplace,understandingthespecific risksandopportunitiesposedbyclimatechangeisacritical nextstep.Organisationsshouldconductthoroughclimate riskassessmentsthatconsiderphysical,transitionaland reputationalrisksacrosstheiroperationsandsupplychains.
Theseassessmentsshouldinformdecision-makingand resourceallocation,ensuringthatclimateconsiderationsare factoredintoallstrategicdecisions.Theycanalsothen informthesettingofambitious,science-basedtargetsfor reducinggreenhousegasemissionsandachievingnet-zero goals.Thesetargetsshouldbesupportedbyactionable plansandmeasurablemilestones,ensuringaccountability andprogressovertime.
Addressingclimatechangerequiresinnovationand collaboration.Whereappropriate,businessesandother organisationsshouldinvestinresearchanddevelopmentto createsustainableproducts,servicesandprocesses.And increasingly,partnershipsbetweenbusinesses,governments andNGOscanaccelerateprogressanddrivecollective action.Forexample,participatinginindustry-wide initiativestoreduceemissionsoradoptingshared sustainabilitystandardscanamplifyimpactandbuild credibility.
Effectiveclimatestrategiesrequirebuy-infrom stakeholders,includingemployees,customers,investors andcommunities.Transparentcommunicationabout climategoals,progressandchallengesisessentialfor buildingtrustandsupport.Engagingemployeesthrough sustainabilityinitiativescanalsofosteracultureof environmentalresponsibilityandinnovation.
Organisationalleadershavebotharesponsibilityanda uniqueopportunitytoshapethefuturebyaddressingoneof themostpressingandcomplexchallengesofourtime.By integratingclimatechangeintostrategicthinking,leaders cannotonlymitigaterisksbutalsoseizeopportunitiesfor growth,innovationandresilience.Climateleadershipis aboutforesight,responsibilityandacommitmentto buildingasustainablefutureforeveryone.Byembedding climateconsiderationsintoeveryfacetoftheir organisations,justastheywouldforfinancial considerations,leaderscanensurethattheyarenotonly preparedforthechallengesaheadbutalsopositionedto thriveinarapidlychangingworld.
“Beyond the gears and engines, the automotive industry fuels dreams.”
Theelectricmobilitylandscapeispoisedtowitnessatotalmetamorphosisin2025,giventhe
backdropoftechnologicalinnovation,changingconsumerpreference,andhighsustainability theme.Aswetakethisjourneyintosomeofthekeytrendsshapingthissector,weshallanalyze theexpectedmovementsinelectricvehicles,charginginfrastructure,andAIandIoTintegration.
Thedemandisexpectedtoshiftsignificantlyasaround18.1millionunitsareexpectedtobesoldbylate 2025.Thegrowthisindicatedfromanichemarkettothemarketmajority,buthighcostsandthelackof adequatecharginginfrastructureremaindefinitebottlenecksinmainstreamadoption.Majorcar manufacturerswillincreasetheirproductiontomeetthisdemand.Companies,suchasTesla,willproduce a$25,000electriccarinIndiaby2025withintentionsofmakingEVsmoreaccessibletoawidersociety
Animportantaspectofthisgrowthisthecontinued developmentofbatterytechnology.Innovationssuchas solid-statebatteriespromisehigherenergydensityand fasterchargingtimesthantraditionallithium-ionbatteries. Forexample,Toyotaisworkingonsolid-statebatteriesthat couldhavea750-milerangeandfastercharging,whichare expectedtobereadyforthemarketby2026or2027.These arecrucialdevelopmentsbecausebatteriesaccountfor about40%ofthetotalcostofanelectricvehicle.
TherapidgrowthintheadoptionofEVs,therefore,also requiresrapiddeploymentofcharginginfrastructure.In November2024,Indiaalonehadmorethan25,000public EVchargingstations.Already,thisfigurehassurpassed eventhepasthighs.PlansunderthePME-DRIVEscheme willimprovethislandscape,withlargeamountsof investmentspouringintogetmorechargingstationsacross thenation.
Severalinnovativesolutionscomewiththedomainof charging:
• Super-fastchargersthatcanconsiderablyreducethe chargingtime.
• Bidirectionalchargingstations,orV2G,whichallow EVstosupplyenergybacktothegrid,thereby enhancinggridstability.
• Battery-as-a-servicemodelsareemerging,wherethe userswapsoutadepletedbatteryforafullycharged one,eliminatingrangeanxietyandreducingacquisition costs.
Theseimprovementsincreasetheeffectivenessof rechargingservicesforEVusersandalsoupgradethe energyecosystemtoacleanerenergysourceofthe renewableenergychain.
In2025,AIandIoTtechnologieswillintegrateto revolutionizeurbanmobility.AIwillbeintegratedintoall aspectsoftransportationsystems,suchasrouteplanning optimizationandprovidingpersonalizedservicesto enhancecustomerexperiences.
AIalgorithmswillbecriticaltothemanagementofEV chargingnetworksinanalyzingreal-timedatatobalance griddemandandoptimizeoperations.Theseinclude predictiveanalyticsthatcanforecastmaintenanceneedsfor chargingequipmentandgenerallyimproveoverallgrid reliability.
Forcommercialfleetstransitioningtoelectricvehicles,AIdrivensolutionswillhelpmanageenergyusageduring chargingbetter Withtheintegrationoftelematicswithfleet managementsystems,operatorscanprioritizecharging basedonbusinessneedsanddriverexperiences.
Withsustainabilityalwaysintheleadforconsumerchoice, electricmobilitysupportpoliciesremainhighlyrelevant. Althoughfederaltaxcreditsmayraisesomeuncertainty overpartsofacountry,variousgovernmentsworldwide keeptheincentivesopenfortheadoptionofEVsasa primarymethodtoencourageinterestinthosecars.
ThiswillbedonethroughFutureimprovementsoftheEV infrastructure:PublicPrivatePartnership.Emerging technologiesthatarecreatedthroughthepartnershipsof autocompaniesandtechstartupswillcontributetothe enhancementoftheefficiencyandavailabilityofelectric vehicletechnology.
Withtheyear2025inmindtheelectricmobilitysectoris poisedtoundergoaradicaltransformationonthehorizon. Betterbatteries,increasedchargingstations,andother effectivesmartsystemsbasedonArtificialIntelligenceand theInternetofThingsembeddedintotransportmeanswill helptomakeiteasierandmoreenvironmentallyfriendly Onthisscore,therefore,electricmobilityisnotjusta fashionbutthefutureofacleanerenvironmentforthe world.Thenextcoupleofyearswillbeimportantfor stakeholderstodealwiththechallengeswhileatthesame timefindopportunitieswithinthisquicklychanging environment.
“While
you are in bed dreaming about how you too might own an electric car someday, many EV owners are doing something that is reshaping the energy landscape.”
