From the electric car to electromobility

The success of electric mobility is generally associated with the technical performance of vehicles. However, an equally important factor is the presence of a favourable environment in which the electric car is more competitive compared to the ‘dominant design’ of the internal combustion engine car. The organisation of an electromobility system requires not only contact with new partners such as local authorities and electricity distribution companies, but also customers who must get used to this new form of mobility. The management of the deployment of electric vehicles is a significant change compared to the engineering, marketing and sales activities which used to exist in the automobile industry. A research study carried out at the École Polytechnique’s Management Research Centre on Renault’s electric vehicle programme reveals the multiple challenges which such an approach poses for a well-established company.