Andy Palmer, the "Godfather" of the EVs, tells us why the Chinese EVs have a brain over the western ones

Dec 28, 2024

Andy Palmer, known as the "Godfather of EVs" for his role in developing the Nissan Leaf, the world's first mass-market electric vehicle (EV), is sharing his insight on why Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are leading the charge in the EV race. Palmer, formerly of Nissan, tells us how China topped the West in the EV market, and why the West is lagging behind.

Palmer attributes China's success to the combination of a "superlative" price/performance ratio and advanced cells technology. Although Western car makers are geared towards high-priced products, Chinese car makers are adept at manufacturing affordable, and high quality, EVs that are capturing the world's imagination. This is particularly crucial as EV adoption grows worldwide.

Chinese car manufacturers also take advantage of advanced battery technology, in order to deliver vehicles with longer mileage and lower cost. This confers a clear advantage over Western competitors who are hampered by battery efficiency and cost limitations.

Palmer further cautions against the popularity of hybrid cars, claiming the "fool's errand" of hybrid cars.

With the global push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, Palmer believes that automakers must focus on advancing electric vehicle technology rather than clinging to hybrids, which he views as a compromise that doesn't fully meet the demands of the future.

FAQs:

How does Palmer view the future of Western automakers?
Palmer is concerned that Western automakers might fall behind if they don’t fully embrace electric vehicles instead of focusing on hybrids or outdated models.

Why are Chinese EVs seen as a better option by Palmer?
According to Palmer, Chinese EVs stand out due to their advanced battery tech and remarkable pricing, making them more competitive compared to Western EVs.