Wiring the Future: Navigating E-Mobility Trends and Tech in the American and European Automotive Market and how the rise of EVs affects the On-Board Networks

Lucas, please tell us a little bit about yourself. What has been your career path so far and what brought you to MD?

I’m an Application Engineer at MD’s office in Southfield, Michigan, right outside of Detroit, also known as Motor City. I was born and raised in Brazil and I began my career in the automotive industry as an intern at one of the Detroit “Big Three” manufacturers. Right after my first internship I was invited to work at their subsidiary in Germany. These experiences solidified my passion for the automotive world and let me pursue a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Michigan.

I’ve been working in the industry for over 5 years, joining MD in 2021. As an Application Engineer, I play a strategic role, acting as a bridge between our German headquarters, Mexican production plant, and US-based OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. I find immense satisfaction in collaborating across borders to develop and implement technical solutions that push the boundaries of automotive technology.

Most of my family is in Brazil and I try to visit them at least once a year. In the U.S. I have my chosen family and friends. Growing up in Brazil surrounded by Spanish roots gave me the chance to learn both Portuguese and Spanish. English came not too long ago when I decided to live abroad as an exchange student in the U.S.

Shifts towards e-mobility are affecting the broader automotive markets internationally. What has been the economic impact of the rising trend in e-mobility in the U.S., particularly regarding job creation and industry growth?

The shift to e-mobility has led to a significant transformation in the U.S. automotive market, driving both job creation and a reallocation of industry focus. Electric vehicle manufacturing and parts production, such as batteries and motors, have created new employment opportunities, as has the expansion of charging infrastructure development and maintenance. In addition, increased investment in research and development for battery technology and electric vehicle efficiency has created additional job opportunities. While traditional automakers are increasingly investing in EV production, signaling a shift within the industry, new companies specializing in electric vehicles and related technologies are also emerging, driving growth and innovation in this evolving market.

When it comes to market trends and consumer behavior, what would you say are the primary concerns of consumers in the U.S. when deciding whether to purchase an EV? How do these concerns differ from those of European consumers? 

When considering the purchase of an electrical vehicle, U.S. consumers have several primary concerns. High upfront costs remain a significant barrier, as many EV models are more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts. Additionally, the limited availability of charging infrastructure and concerns about driving range contribute to uncertainty. There is also a strong preference for larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, over compact cars, which influences purchasing decisions​. These concerns differ from those of European consumers, where higher fuel costs make the long-term savings on gas more appealing, thus providing a stronger financial incentive to switch to EVs. Moreover, government incentives and tax breaks for EV purchases tend to be more generous in several European countries.

In what ways do the policies in California and Michigan differ, and what results have these differences yielded in terms of EV adoption rates, infrastructure etc.?

California and Michigan have taken different approaches to promoting electric vehicle adoption, resulting in different outcomes. California has the highest EV adoption rate in the U.S., driven by aggressive policies such as requiring all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035 and offering substantial tax breaks for EV purchases. This aggressive push has led to significant infrastructure development, with California surpassing its goal of 10,000 fast EV chargers ahead of schedule and planning to deploy an additional 40,000 public chargers.

In contrast, Michigan’s strategy is more focused on supporting EV manufacturing and developing the necessary infrastructure. While Michigan’s EV adoption rate is above the national average, it lags behind California’s. Michigan is emphasizing increasing its share of domestic auto and battery manufacturing to create high-quality jobs and preserve its long-standing auto industry. The state has also implemented policies to modernize school bus fleets and support fleet electrification initiatives.

California’s strong regulatory approach and incentives versus Michigan’s emphasis on manufacturing and infrastructure illustrate the different strategies states are employing to accelerate EV adoption and manage the transition to electric mobility.

How do American innovations in EV technology compare with those in the EU and what predictions can be made about the future of e-mobility in the U.S. and Europe over the next decade?  

Both the U.S. and the EU are at the forefront of innovation in electric vehicle technology, with a strong emphasis on battery development and the integration of advanced features.

In the U.S., the approach is heavily driven by private investment, with a strong focus on performance improvements and rapid growth supported by declining battery costs, increasing model diversity, and significant government incentives. The U.S. is also prioritizing infrastructure investment, particularly in the expansion of the charging network, which is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs. This growth is expected to continue, with more jobs being created in EV manufacturing and related sectors as the industry develops.

In contrast, the EU’s strategy is more focused on leveraging public funding and emphasizing sustainability and safety. European policy aggressively promotes the transition to EVs, resulting in a dense and efficient charging network. However, the extensive public transportation systems in many European countries may limit the overall growth of the EV market compared to the U.S.  In addition, most European consumers tend to prefer smaller, city-friendly EVs – most likely from Asia, which is consistent with the shorter travel distances typical in Europe.

Over the next decade, the U.S. will likely focus on expanding its charging infrastructure and improving the performance and affordability of EVs through technological advancements. Europe, meanwhile, will continue to push for sustainability and safety, maintain its lead in battery innovation, and integrate EVs into broader smart ecosystems. Both regions will see significant developments, but their approaches and market dynamics will differ based on regional priorities and consumer behavior.

What is unique about the on-board networks of electric vehicles compared to those of cars with an internal combustion engine and what solutions does the automotive industry offer for these upcoming challenges?

The on-board networks of EVs present unique challenges and opportunities compared to those of internal combustion engine vehicles. A key challenge is electromagnetic interference, which can affect data transmission within the vehicle. This is particularly critical in autonomous driving scenarios. To address this, EVs require robust shielding solutions to ensure reliable communication between various electronic components. Another challenge is the weight of EVs. Since batteries are heavy, it is critical to reduce weight in other areas, such as the vehicle’s wiring and networking systems, to improve overall efficiency. Furthermore, as electric vehicles use considerably more copper and other minerals than petrol cars in their manufacturing processes, innovative alternatives will be required going forward.

The automotive industry offers several solutions to these challenges. Miniaturization of components is one approach, enabling smaller, more resource-efficient and space-saving solutions, including compact connectors and cables. Another is the adoption of zonal architecture, which reduces the complexity and length of wiring by dividing the vehicle into different zones, each with localized ECUs and shorter cables, reducing both weight and material usage.

What is the MD ELEKTRONIK Group doing to ensure that we are the right partner for automotive data transfer, especially in electric vehicles?

Through a combination of innovative product design and advanced manufacturing processes, MD aims to be a leading partner for automotive data transfer, especially in electric vehicles. A key approach is the use of automated production on machines developed in-house, which enables the precise manufacturing of highly miniaturized components. This automation not only ensures high quality and consistency, but also enables the production of compact components that save valuable space in vehicles.

In addition, MD’s innovative product designs, further contribute to space efficiency, for example by fitting multiple connections into a single, streamlined unit. This is crucial in the context of increasingly complex vehicle architectures, especially in electric vehicles where space and weight are even more important.

MD is also investing heavily in research and development, focusing on future technologies such as optical data transmission for example. Optical data transmission offers several advantages for electric vehicles, including resistance to electromagnetic interference, no reliance on copper, reduced weight, and extremely high data rates. These technological advancements ensure that MD remains at the forefront of providing reliable, efficient and state-of-the-art data transfer solutions to the automotive industry.

Lucas, many thanks for this interesting conversation!