This term paper examines the different disruptive processes for the global bus industry induced by the electrification of the public bus networks, with respect to the changing status quo of technologies as well as the transforming market compositions. To derive and present these processes, the terms "innovation" and "disruption" were indispensable to define, hence there is no commonly excepted understanding and otherwise there would be no overall principles to evaluate whether electric mobility can be classified as a genuinely disruptive Innovation. Propelled globally by national governments, enforcing their limits of carbon oxide emissions and total number of vehicles, electric buses powered by installed lithium-ion batteries or fuel cells are already operating on some metropolitan streets of mostly Asian, South American and European Countries. Regarding the drawbacks of shorter ranges and longer recharge times, the technical features and operating characteristics of battery-electric buses differ from conventional diesel buses. These differences and their consequences for the global bus industry, gaining additional relevance due to the generally increasing demand of green technologies, should help to get a better understanding of the current shift within the automotive sector while also laying the foundation for potential future trajectories.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Research problem
1.2 Course of investigation
2 Disruptive innovation potential
2.1 Definition
2.1.1 Innovation
2.1.2 Disruption
2.2 Evaluation criteria
3 Electric mobility
3.1 Characteristics
3.2 Current relevance
3.3 Disruptive potential
4 Disruptive consequences of electric mobility for the global bus industry
5 Conclusion
5.1 Summary
5.2 Critical acclaim
5.3 Outlook
Research Objectives and Topics
This term paper examines the disruptive processes within the global bus industry driven by the electrification of public transport networks, focusing on shifting technological landscapes and market dynamics.
- Impact of electric mobility on established automotive market compositions
- Evaluation of electric vehicles based on disruptive innovation theory
- Analysis of technical and operational differences between diesel and electric buses
- Socio-political drivers and regulatory influences on transport electrification
- Structural challenges regarding infrastructure, charging requirements, and battery technology
Excerpt from the Book
Disruptive consequences of electric mobility for the global bus industry
In general, there is a tendency to allow fewer fuel powered vehicles into city centres, and as far as diesel busses remain a serious originator of Nitrogen Oxides, thus resulting in a globally increasing demand for transport capacities without increased environmental pollution (Miles & Potter, 2014, p. p 1). In addition the emergence of electric mobility threatens the traditional brand name impact, because the technical characteristics of EVs are becoming more important than the brand image (Proff, 2013, p. p 53).
Table 1 is providing scientific insights into the global bus market compositions. The top 18 bus selling companies are mainly operating either in Asia or the European region. China is the domestic market to the two biggest electric innovation pioneers Yutong and BYD, and several smaller manufacturers and recently expanded into the centre of the European market by the acquisition of the Volvo group through Geely.
Following the Disruptive Innovation Theory early adopters started to attack from below out of the low-end markets, accepting high investment , acquiring and development costs, (Altenburg et al., 2016, p. p 471), implying that battery-electric buses provide clearly reduced margins and therefore weren’t appealing to the incumbents in the early trajectory phase (Christensen et al., 2015, p. p 10).
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the research problem, outlines the focus on the global bus industry within an increasingly digitalized environment, and details the investigation structure.
2 Disruptive innovation potential: This section establishes the definitions for innovation and disruption and derives the evaluation criteria necessary to assess technological shifts.
3 Electric mobility: This chapter explores the characteristics and current relevance of electric mobility, concluding with an evaluation of its disruptive potential using the previously established framework.
4 Disruptive consequences of electric mobility for the global bus industry: This part connects the theoretical findings with the practical realities of the global bus market, analyzing current industry trends and company strategies.
5 Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the key insights regarding market shifts and highlights limitations, while providing an outlook on future intelligent and autonomous mobility developments.
Keywords
Electric mobility, disruptive innovation, technological trajectories, public transport, electric buses, automotive industry, sustainability, market composition, battery-electric vehicles, infrastructure, emission regulations, innovation management, charging technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper focuses on the transformative and potentially disruptive effects of electric mobility on the global bus industry.
What are the central themes addressed?
Key themes include the theory of disruptive innovation, the current development stages of electric vehicles, and the resulting changes in market structure and competitive dynamics.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze how the transition to electric bus fleets impacts the technological status quo and market composition of the public transport sector globally.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The research relies on a literature-based analysis, applying the Disruptive Innovation Theory by Clayton Christensen to assess whether electric mobility qualifies as a disruptive innovation.
What topics are analyzed in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptual definitions of innovation and disruption, the specific characteristics of electric mobility, and an analysis of the consequences for both incumbent manufacturers and market entrants.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The paper is characterized by terms such as disruptive innovation, electric mobility, public transport, and technological trajectories.
How does the author define disruption in the context of this paper?
Disruption is defined not as a point in time, but as a process starting in low-end market footholds that gradually expands to challenge mainstream market offerings.
What is the role of charging infrastructure in the industry's transformation?
The paper highlights that infrastructure is crucial; the lack of international standards and the need for high-power charging solutions force collaborations between manufacturers and energy providers.
Why are incumbent bus manufacturers initially hesitant to adopt electric technology?
Incumbents are often reluctant because the shift to electric drives leads to significantly reduced financial margins compared to traditional internal combustion engines.
- Quote paper
- Luca Dominikat (Author), 2019, The Disruptive Potential of Electric Mobility for the Global Bus Industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1356328
