Automotive and Battery Industry
An initiative aimed at the effective transition of manufacturers and suppliers in the Slovak automotive segment to e-mobility.
We can't miss this train
Slovakia’s economic policy must support the transformation of the automotive industry towards electromobility.
Slovak car companies do not produce for our market. We are exporting precisely where, on average, every fifth car sold today is already powered by battery electricity. In this respect, all our car companies have a clear strategy for transformation by 2030. They will gradually produce electric cars, Volvo even right from the start of production.
We must see this transformation as an opportunity for a new direction for the entire industry. We need investment in the production of components and batteries for electric vehicles, with an emphasis on supporting the local supply chain, so that as many Slovak companies as possible can not only cope with this difficult transition, but also make the most of it.
AUTOMOTIVE TRANSFORMATION IN SLOVAKIA:
THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW
Slovakia has become a leader in the automotive industry not only within the region, but it is also a big player on the world markets. However, in its report "Slovakia Automotive Industry 2.0: The time is now to retool for the e-mobility era", the AutoFocus Slovakia project, funded by the European Climate Foundation, warns that the time is coming for a radical change in this sector.
Lack of long-term vision
The aim is to develop a long-term national strategy for the transformation of the automotive industry from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. This transition is necessary not only for Slovakia, but also for the entire Central European region, in order to remain competitive and to take advantage of the opportunities that electromobility brings us in the manufacturing sector.
The report highlights the need for the automotive industry to adapt quickly to new technologies. The fact that Slovakia is one of the leaders in the V4 gives us a certain advantage, but it also means responsibility. We have the opportunity to set trends in the field of electromobility for the entire CEE region.
Slovakia is lagging behind
However, the key findings of the report are alarming. While the Slovak automotive industry has the potential to transition to electric vehicles, we are currently facing a serious lack of investment in infrastructure and research. There is also increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, which is a further motivation for a rapid transition to electromobility.
The report's findings have been translated into recommendations dominated by the need to invest in research and development in the field of electromobility. There is also a need to develop infrastructure for charging stations and to ensure that incentives and support measures are provided by the government for electromobility, not only in the production sector but also among consumers.
An opportunity to capitalise on the transformation
We have no time to hesitate. The atmosphere at the German motor shows was gloomy - Chinese electric cars are poised for great success in European markets too. We therefore need to invest urgently in new technologies and infrastructure to respond to this threat.
The challenge will be to engage the whole ecosystem, from government to manufacturers and suppliers. For anyone interested in the transition of our strongest industry towards electromobility, we recommend the original document „Slovakia Automotive Industry 2.0: The time is now to retool for the e-mobility era“
