Why EV Design, Development, and Production Require Digital Twin Technology

The shift to hyrbid and pure electric vehicles (EVs) brings significant changes to all aspects of auto manufacturing, including design, development, production, and supply chains. Vehicle architecture, crash safety, electrical systems, and software development all need to be reimagined for all forms of EVs. Leading manufacturers are turning to digital twin technology to address these issues.

EVs by the Numbers

> 1 in 5

More than one in five cars sold worldwide in 2024 will be electric.

(Source: IEA)

90% lower

Electric Vehicle battery pack costs are 90% lower than in 2008.

(Source: DOE)

~Half

Over its lifetime, the average new electric vehicle produces about half the the greenhouse gas emissions of an equivalent vehicle burning gasoline or diesel.

(Source: Union of Concerned Scientists)

62% to 86%

Electric vehicles will account for 62% to 86% of global sales by 2030.

(Source: RMI)

Top Challenges

Design Challenges

  • Battery efficiency and range
  • Vehicle dynamics
  • Thermal management

Development Challenges

  • Battery technology
  • Software and integration
  • Material and parts sourcing

How Digital Twin Help

Vehicle Design and Optimization

  • Replicate physical properties
  • Simulate real-world conditions
  • Test different scenarios

Benefits

  • Faster design iterations
  • Reduced costs
  • Easier to innovate

Manufacturing Process Optimization

  • Test assembly line workflows
  • Simulate manufacturing processes
  • Identify bottlenecks

Benefits

  • Efficient production processes
  • Lower production costs
  • Reduced downtime

Battery Development and Management

  • Optimize battery life
  • Simulate battery performance under different conditions
  • Monitor battery health

Benefits

  • Improved battery performance
  • Extended battery life
  • Enhanced safety

How Siemens Helps

Siemens offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to support the use of digital twins in the design, development, and production all forms of electric vehicles (EVs). Its offerings are part of the broader Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, which integrates software, hardware, and services to enable digital transformation in industries, including automotive.

Resources

Vehicle Electrification: End-to-end production management
eBook

Vehicle Electrification: End-to-end production management

Through the rapid expansion of the EV market, manufacturers need to meet critical production goals to succeed. In this eBook learn how end-to-end production management empowers manufacturers to plan, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes.

Download now

What Will It Take to Achieve EV Zero Waste?
Article

What Will It Take to Achieve EV Zero Waste?

The path to zero waste in EV manufacturing is filled with challenges. By embracing new technologies and practices, the EV industry can move closer to a future where production processes are efficient, cost-effective, and truly sustainable.

Read more

Imperatives as Automotive Industry Pivots to Vehicle Electrification
White paper

Imperatives as Automotive Industry Pivots to Vehicle Electrification

As the automotive industry pivots towards vehicle electrification, explore 5 key takeaways to accelerate electric vehicle development.

Download now