Highlights of the month: Russia-Ukraine conflict makes automakers stay alert

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused semiconductor companies to stay alert for the price hike due to the material shortage, like inert gases. The automobile industry is also devastated by the prolonged chip shortage and an imminent material shortage of palladium, used in automotive catalytic converters, and nickel, used for electric vehicles. Overall, the conflict has made production cost soaring for manufacturers in both industries. Well-known carmakers, Volkswagen and Renault SA, even face production stoppages due to Ukraine supply issues. The following are the latest EV news on editors' choice for the month.

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Chip & Component news

Soaring lithium carbonate prices stimulate boycott

The price of lithium carbonate used in ternary and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has gone up 60% since the beginning of the year, reaching the ceiling for many lithium battery manufacturers.

India auto and electronics vendors nervous about Russian-Ukraine war

Plagued by supply disruptions caused by COVID-19 in recent years, the Indian consumer electronics and automobile industries have started to worry about whether the Russian-Ukraine war will benefit or harm Indian suppliers in terms of semiconductors.

Taiwan chipmakers see limited impact from Russia-Ukraine crisis

Taiwan-based chipmakers have already developed their flexibility to seek alternative sources and expect the Russia-Ukraine conflict to have a limited impact on their supply chains, according to industry sources.

Supply chain watches nervously over Russia-Ukraine tension

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have risen after Russia recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.

Supply chain regionalization: Russia-Ukraine, Geopolitics, ESG

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, geopolitics, and ESG compliance are accelerating the tendency of the global semiconductor supply chain to regionalize.

Automotive MCU prices to rally further by 15-20% in 2Q22

Automotive MCU prices are expected to rise by another 15-20% in the second quarter of 2022 due to supply-side constraints, according to sources at related IC distributors.

Automakers struggling amid prolonged chip crisis

The prolonged shortage of automotive chips has compelled automakers to strategize for their survival, while major and emerging suppliers are facing different challenges.

Taiwan chipmakers see their role in global EV supply chain grow

The role of Taiwan's IC industry is growing amid the persistent shortage of automotive chips.

Manufacturing & Battery News

Korean battery makers reportedly to launch cells with higher energy density

LG Energy Solutions (LGES) and Samsung SDI are reportedly to launch new-generation 21700 lithium-ion battery with increased energy density by 10%, which could further sharpen South Korea's edge in electric vehicle (EV) battery making, a media report said.

Flammability of lithium batteries challenges EV makers

The high reactivity and flammable nature of lithium batteries have caused problems for electric vehicle (EV) makers over the years.

Could China and CATL create a new era of battery swapping for cars?

According to data provided by China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAMM), China's car production has recovered from the disruption caused by COVID.

Industry trends to watch in electric cars 2022 (Part 1)

Industry experts are optimistic that electric cars 2022 will continue to rise. Therefore, carmakers are trying everything to secure battery stock, including leaning toward lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries and diversifying battery suppliers.

Industry trends to watch in electric cars 2022 (Part 2)

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption will keep growing in 2022 as the chip shortage persists. Carmakers have been utilizing modular platforms to push EV launches. Furthermore, electrification in Southeast Asia is on track with companies proceeding with their projects.