E-mobility is still a major topic in the automotive industry. Various governments are promoting the use of e-vehicles, many new service concepts are being launched and the number of end-users is rising, albeit with great differences on an international level.
- When does e-mobility make sense for a network and in which form?
- What are sensible criteria for the distribution and size of locations targeted towards e-mobility?
- To what extent must the after-sales business be expanded?
Markus Goeken
Head of Network Development
Markus Goeken has been an integral part of our network development department since 2011 and has been leading it for several years now. With a great deal of expertise and commitment, he and his team counsel and assist our customers in all aspects of their network planning.
E-mobility:
4 recommendations for dealer network planners
In contrast to other megatrends, the expansion of e-network structures is already well-advanced. Acceptance and technical obstacles hardly pose a problem here and the use of electric vehicles is steadily increasing. An inadequate charging infrastructure has long been regarded as a major obstacle to the expansion of e-mobility. However, there are now significantly more charging stations available to e-vehicle owners in Europe. The organisation Transport & Environment estimates that around 220,000 charging stations will be available in Europe by 2020; these are good figures.
Many people therefore believe that manufacturers are now responsible for providing enough vehicles and equipping their networks with the necessary structure. Despite a growing customer base however, the service potential is still low at present. How should you plan your own dealer network if you have to invest heavily in special tools and training in your after-sales business, while at the same time your earnings are comparatively low?
How can all this be accommodated?
01
Set the right priorities
02
Ensure the required coverage
03
Find interim solutions for the transition period
04
Develop an action plan
Now it’s time to focus on the individual locations of your future network: define a target network that is as realistic as possible and decide on all measures relevant to the network. Do locations need to be expanded or downsized? Do you perhaps even have to close down locations completely or open new ones? Does a relocation make sense? Once you have recorded the scope of the measures, you can draw up a concrete action plan with a time schedule.
Even though the e-vehicle market is supported by national governments, particularly in Asian countries, and there is less resistance to these technologies, development is progressing slowly, especially in Europe. In Germany, for example, annual growth of around 1-2% of the total market is currently expected. It is already foreseeable today that the German government’s 2020 target will not be met.
This does not mean, however, that the issue of e-mobility in network planning can be put off for a long time. Particularly in relation to the energy revolution and new digitalisation concepts, politicians around the world are so interested in e-mobility that they are working towards networked, energy-saving mobility. Current developments in the service sector, e.g. car sharing, also offer a further opportunity to promote the expansion of e-infrastructures through the use of electric vehicles. So one thing is certain: e-mobility will not come, it is already here!
Therefore, adapt your network to this constant development and recognise the opportunities. Both can be read off from many factors and data. The trick is to select the right data and framework conditions specifically for your own project.
A good strategy requires the right basis for data.
As a long-standing partner of the automotive industry, we offer you support for your network development by providing consulting and a powerful network planning system. Learn more about our services in the field of network development or contact us directly.