As a continuation of our previous article discussing the rise of Electric Vehicles, let us consider 3 companies that are taking the industry by storm.

These three companies – Tesla, BYD, and BMW – have been in the EV game for some time now and have already made their impact.

In 2019, Tesla had the largest market share, followed by BYD in 2^nd  and then BMW in 4^th place.

Tesla Inc.

Founded in 2003, Tesla is widely considered the most famous amongst EV manufacturers. With an almost cult-like following, and nearly two decades in the industry, Tesla is poised to take the global EV market by storm.

Competitive Advantages:

• Lowest cost per kWh battery pack
• Brand strength
• When factoring in range, features and some element of luxury, Tesla have some of the lowest prices in the EV market
• Created batteries that provide the most range
• Tesla has their own supercharging network, with 2700 Supercharger stations at the end of the first quarter in 2021
• It is clear that the most constrained item in the manufacturing of electric vehicles is the battery. One of the ingredients required is Lithium, and it was insinuated at battery day that Tesla would get into mining and mine Lithium in Nevada.
• Tesla custom designed their own chips, specific to Tesla’s own Full Self-Driving. Global demand for chips is increasing due to advances in A.I. Tesla has secured a deal with Samsung to have their chips manufactured decreasing the threat.

BYD Auto

Backed by Warren Buffet, the China based company engaged in the manufacturing and sales of transportation equipment. Additionally, they produce electronic components and devices for daily use.

Competitive Advantages:

• Joint Venture with Daimler AG, known as Denza, which specialises in luxury electric cars.
• Joint Venture with Toyota. To be used to conduct research on Battery Electric Vehicles.
• They sell both Electric Vehicles and ICE vehicles, meaning they can benefit from the rise in electric vehicles while not being limited by how slow that rise may be.
• In January 2021, BYD raised 29.9 billion Hong Kong dollars ($3.85 billion) from a stock sale, to be used to fortify the company against Tesla’s successful activities in China.
• Apple Inc. is in early stages of talking to BYD about the supply of batteries for its electric vehicle

BMW

Founded in 1916, BMW is a legendary name amongst auto manufacturers. BMW has been researching and testing electric cars for over 40 years. The company has established BMW i, a sub-brand of BMW founded in 2011, to design and manufacture plug-in electric vehicles.

Competitive Advantages:

• 40 years of electric vehicle history
• Well-known legacy brand
• They sell both Electric Vehicles and ICE vehicles, meaning they can benefit from the rise in electric vehicles while not being limited by how slow that rise may be.
• They have historically invested heavily in plug-in hybrid “Ultimate Driving Machines,” including a number of different SUVs and sedans.
• BMW has promised a 200kW DC fast charging (enough to take it from 10- to 80-percent in 40 minutes)
• BMW predicts to have 2 million EVs out on the road by 2025, which could rise to 10 million by 2030s. BMW has previously stated that it expects 20% of its sales to be battery or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2023.

Photo by Martin Katler on Unsplash