Electric Vehicles in 2035: My Predictions as a Technology Futurist
Opening Summary
According to the International Energy Agency, global electric car sales are set to reach nearly 17 million in 2024, representing one-fifth of all cars sold worldwide. This staggering growth trajectory signals a fundamental shift that goes far beyond simply swapping combustion engines for batteries. In my work with automotive manufacturers and energy companies across three continents, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this transition is reshaping entire business ecosystems. The current state of electric vehicles represents just the beginning of a much larger transformation that will redefine mobility, energy infrastructure, and urban planning. As a futurist who has advised Fortune 500 companies on digital transformation, I see electric vehicles not merely as transportation alternatives but as the central nervous system of tomorrow’s smart cities and energy networks. The real revolution isn’t happening on the roads—it’s happening in boardrooms, research labs, and policy centers where leaders are grappling with unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
Main Content: Top Three Business Challenges
Challenge 1: The Infrastructure Paradox
The most immediate challenge facing electric vehicle adoption isn’t range anxiety or battery technology—it’s what I call the infrastructure paradox. As Deloitte research highlights, the ratio of electric vehicles to public charging points is becoming increasingly unbalanced, with some markets experiencing ratios as high as 20:1. This creates a vicious cycle where consumers hesitate to adopt EVs due to charging concerns, while infrastructure providers hesitate to invest without sufficient demand. In my consulting work with major utility companies, I’ve seen how this chicken-and-egg problem is slowing down the transition. The real issue extends beyond charging stations to include grid capacity, transformer upgrades, and energy distribution networks. According to McKinsey & Company, achieving widespread EV adoption will require upgrading approximately 13 million public charging points globally by 2030—a monumental infrastructure undertaking that demands coordinated investment across public and private sectors.
Challenge 2: The Battery Supply Chain Bottleneck
The second critical challenge involves the complex global supply chain for EV batteries. As Harvard Business Review recently reported, the concentration of lithium, cobalt, and nickel mining in just a few countries creates significant geopolitical and operational risks. I’ve consulted with automotive executives who are deeply concerned about securing stable, ethical, and cost-effective battery supplies for their growing EV portfolios. The World Economic Forum estimates that demand for lithium-ion batteries will increase tenfold by 2030, putting immense pressure on mining operations and processing facilities. Beyond raw material constraints, there’s also the challenge of manufacturing capacity and technological standardization. In my strategic foresight sessions with industry leaders, we consistently identify battery supply chain resilience as a top strategic priority that requires innovative solutions and international cooperation.
Challenge 3: The Software-Defined Vehicle Dilemma
The third challenge represents a fundamental shift in automotive business models—the transition from hardware manufacturers to software platform providers. According to Accenture research, software-defined vehicles could generate up to $650 billion in additional revenue for automakers by 2030, but capturing this value requires completely new capabilities and organizational structures. In my work with traditional automotive companies, I’ve observed how this transformation challenges established business models, talent strategies, and partnership ecosystems. The dilemma lies in balancing hardware excellence with software innovation while maintaining safety, security, and reliability. As PwC’s automotive practice notes, software-defined vehicles require continuous updates, cybersecurity protocols, and data management systems that most traditional manufacturers are ill-equipped to handle. This represents not just a technological shift but a cultural and operational revolution that demands new leadership mindsets and organizational architectures.
Solutions and Innovations
The industry is responding to these challenges with remarkable innovation and strategic partnerships. In my research and consulting engagements, I’ve identified several breakthrough solutions that are reshaping the EV landscape.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology
First, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology represents a paradigm shift in how we think about energy storage and distribution. Companies like Nissan and Ford are pioneering systems that allow EVs to feed electricity back into the grid during peak demand, effectively turning millions of vehicles into a distributed energy storage network. This innovation addresses both infrastructure challenges and creates new revenue streams for vehicle owners.
Solid-State Battery Technology
Second, solid-state battery technology is emerging as a game-changer for supply chain resilience. According to IDC research, solid-state batteries could reduce reliance on cobalt and other conflict minerals while offering higher energy density and faster charging times. Companies like QuantumScape and Toyota are making significant progress toward commercializing this technology, potentially revolutionizing battery manufacturing and performance.
Modular Platform Architectures
Third, modular platform architectures are enabling unprecedented manufacturing flexibility. Volkswagen’s MEB platform and General Motors’ Ultium system demonstrate how standardized components can support multiple vehicle models while reducing complexity and costs. In my discussions with manufacturing executives, I’ve seen how these platforms accelerate development cycles and improve supply chain efficiency.
AI and Machine Learning
Fourth, artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming battery management and predictive maintenance. Tesla’s battery management systems use sophisticated algorithms to optimize performance and extend battery life, while companies like Rivian are implementing AI-driven predictive maintenance that anticipates issues before they occur.
Blockchain Technology
Finally, blockchain technology is emerging as a solution for supply chain transparency and battery lifecycle management. Startups like Circulor are using blockchain to track ethical sourcing of minerals and manage battery recycling, creating more sustainable and transparent supply chains.
The Future: Projections and Forecasts
Looking ahead to 2035, the electric vehicle industry will undergo transformations that extend far beyond current expectations. Based on my analysis of technological trends and market dynamics, I project several key developments that will redefine mobility.
2024-2028: Infrastructure Development and Market Expansion
- 17M global EV sales in 2024 (20% of all car sales)
- 20:1 EV to charging point ratios creating infrastructure gaps
- 13M public charging points needed globally by 2030 (McKinsey)
- 10x battery demand increase by 2030 (World Economic Forum)
2029-2032: Technology Breakthroughs and Ecosystem Integration
- 75% global passenger vehicle sales electric by 2040 (BloombergNEF)
- $5T EV market value by 2030 (25% CAGR)
- $650B software-defined vehicle revenue opportunity (Accenture)
- Solid-state batteries achieving commercial viability with 500 Wh/kg density
2033-2035: Smart City Integration and Autonomous Mobility
- 40% automotive profits from software and services by 2035
- $190B global charging infrastructure market by 2030 (McKinsey)
- 80% urban transportation emission reduction through connected EVs (World Economic Forum)
- 30% traffic efficiency improvement through autonomous electric fleets
2035+: Energy Platform and Mobility Ecosystem
- EVs as central nervous system of smart cities and energy networks
- Complete integration with renewable energy and grid management
- Autonomous electric fleets transforming urban mobility
- Software platforms dominating automotive value creation
Final Take: 10-Year Outlook
Over the next decade, electric vehicles will evolve from alternative transportation to the central platform for mobility, energy, and digital services. The industry will consolidate around a few dominant platforms that integrate hardware, software, and services into seamless ecosystems. Traditional automotive manufacturers will either transform into technology companies or become contract manufacturers for platform leaders. The most significant opportunities will emerge in battery recycling, charging infrastructure, and software services, while the biggest risks involve supply chain disruptions and cybersecurity threats. Companies that master the integration of physical and digital capabilities will dominate the next era of mobility, while those clinging to traditional business models will face existential challenges.
Ian Khan’s Closing
The electric vehicle revolution represents one of the most significant transformations in modern history—not just in how we move, but in how we live, work, and power our world. As I often tell the leaders I work with, “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” The transition to electric mobility isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about embracing a new mindset of innovation, sustainability, and interconnected systems.
To dive deeper into the future of Electric Vehicles and gain actionable insights for your organization, I invite you to:
- Read my bestselling books on digital transformation and future readiness
- Watch my Amazon Prime series ‘The Futurist’ for cutting-edge insights
- Book me for a keynote presentation, workshop, or strategic leadership intervention to prepare your team for what’s ahead
About Ian Khan
Ian Khan is a globally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and prolific thinker and thought leader on emerging technologies and future readiness. Shortlisted for the prestigious Thinkers50 Future Readiness Award, Ian has advised Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and global leaders on navigating digital transformation and building future-ready organizations. Through his keynote presentations, bestselling books, and Amazon Prime series “The Futurist,” Ian helps organizations worldwide understand and prepare for the technologies shaping our tomorrow.
