Electric Vehicles in 2035: My Predictions as a Technology Futurist
Opening Summary
According to the International Energy Agency, global electric car sales exceeded 10 million in 2022, representing 14% of all new car sales globally and a staggering 35% market share in China. I’ve been tracking this acceleration closely in my work with automotive manufacturers and energy companies, and what I’m seeing is nothing short of revolutionary. The electric vehicle industry isn’t just growing—it’s fundamentally reshaping transportation, energy infrastructure, and urban planning in ways most organizations haven’t fully grasped. In my consulting with Fortune 500 companies, I’ve observed that many leaders still view EVs as simply cars without gas engines, when in reality, we’re witnessing the birth of an entirely new mobility ecosystem. The current state represents just the beginning of a transformation that will redefine how we move, power our lives, and design our cities over the coming decade.
Main Content: Top Three Business Challenges
Challenge 1: Infrastructure Scalability and Grid Integration
The most immediate challenge I’m seeing across multiple industries is the infrastructure gap. As Deloitte reports in their 2023 Global Automotive Outlook, the ratio of EVs to public charging points varies dramatically by region, from 9:1 in the United States to 17:1 in South Korea. This isn’t just about building more chargers—it’s about creating an intelligent, scalable infrastructure that can handle massive energy demands without collapsing local grids. In my work with utility companies, I’ve seen firsthand how unprepared many power grids are for the simultaneous charging of multiple EVs in residential neighborhoods. The World Economic Forum estimates that meeting 2030 EV adoption targets will require $1.6 trillion in charging infrastructure investment globally. The business impact extends beyond automotive to real estate, utilities, and municipal planning, creating a complex web of interdependencies that must be solved simultaneously.
Challenge 2: Battery Technology and Supply Chain Constraints
The heart of every EV presents both its greatest opportunity and most significant constraint. According to McKinsey & Company, demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to grow about 30% annually through 2030, creating potential supply shortages for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. I’ve consulted with mining companies and battery manufacturers who are racing to secure these resources while facing geopolitical uncertainties and environmental concerns. Harvard Business Review recently highlighted how battery degradation remains a significant consumer concern, with many potential buyers worried about replacement costs and long-term value retention. The business implications are massive—from raw material sourcing to manufacturing scalability to end-of-life recycling—creating a complex value chain that few organizations have fully mapped or secured.
Challenge 3: Consumer Adoption Barriers and Total Cost of Ownership
Despite growing enthusiasm, significant adoption barriers remain. PwC’s 2023 Mobility Survey reveals that while 45% of consumers consider EVs for their next vehicle purchase, only 18% are “very likely” to follow through, citing concerns about charging convenience, range anxiety, and upfront costs. In my keynote presentations to automotive executives, I emphasize that we’re still in the early adopter phase for most markets. The total cost of ownership equation remains complex for many consumers, with insurance costs, maintenance uncertainties, and residual value concerns creating hesitation. As Accenture notes in their latest mobility report, the used EV market remains underdeveloped, creating uncertainty about long-term value that affects both consumer confidence and financing models.
Solutions and Innovations
The good news is that innovative solutions are emerging faster than many realize. In my research for “The Futurist” series on Amazon Prime, I’ve documented several breakthrough approaches that are already showing promise.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology
First, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is turning EVs from energy consumers into distributed energy assets. Companies like Nissan are piloting programs where EV batteries can feed power back to the grid during peak demand, creating new revenue streams for owners and stabilizing grid operations. This represents a fundamental shift from viewing EVs as transportation to seeing them as mobile energy storage units.
Solid-State Battery Technology
Second, solid-state battery technology is advancing rapidly. Toyota recently announced plans for commercial solid-state batteries by 2027, promising faster charging, higher energy density, and improved safety. In my consulting work, I’m seeing massive R&D investments in alternative chemistries that reduce or eliminate dependence on scarce materials.
AI-Powered Charging Infrastructure
Third, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing charging infrastructure. Companies like ChargePoint are using AI to optimize charging station placement, predict usage patterns, and manage grid load. I’ve advised several startups developing predictive algorithms that can reduce range anxiety by accurately forecasting available range based on driving patterns, weather, and terrain.
Battery Recycling and Circular Economy
Fourth, battery recycling and second-life applications are creating circular economy opportunities. Redwood Materials, founded by Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, is building a closed-loop battery supply chain that recovers over 95% of critical materials. This not only addresses supply chain concerns but creates new business models around battery refurbishment and energy storage applications.
The Future: Projections and Forecasts
Looking ahead, the data paints a picture of exponential transformation. BloombergNEF projects that EVs will represent 75% of global passenger vehicle sales by 2040, with China and Europe leading the transition. What many leaders miss, in my experience, is the cascading impact across adjacent industries.
2024-2027: Infrastructure Development and Technology Breakthroughs
- 10M global EV sales in 2022 representing 14% market share (International Energy Agency)
- 9:1 to 17:1 EV to charging point ratios creating infrastructure gaps (Deloitte)
- $1.6T charging infrastructure investment required globally by 2030 (World Economic Forum)
- 30% annual battery demand growth through 2030 creating supply chain pressures (McKinsey)
2028-2032: Mainstream Adoption and Ecosystem Integration
- 75% global passenger vehicle sales from EVs by 2040 (BloombergNEF)
- 600+ mile ranges and 10-minute charging times becoming commercially available
- $150B connected EV market by 2030 creating new revenue streams (IDC)
- Solid-state battery commercialization by 2027 enabling faster charging and improved safety
2033-2035: Dominant Mobility Platform and Smart City Integration
- Internal combustion vehicles representing less than 20% of new sales in developed markets
- Vehicle-to-grid technology turning EVs into distributed energy assets
- Mobility-as-a-service models disrupting traditional ownership
- Bi-directional charging creating income-generating opportunities for EV owners
2035+: Integrated Mobility Ecosystem and Sustainable Transportation
- EVs evolving from alternative transportation to dominant mobility platform
- Integration with smart cities, renewable energy systems, and digital ecosystems
- New business models in charging-as-a-service and battery health monitoring
- Transformation of urban landscapes and energy infrastructure
Final Take: 10-Year Outlook
Over the next decade, electric vehicles will evolve from alternative transportation to the dominant mobility platform, integrated into smart cities, renewable energy systems, and digital ecosystems. The biggest transformation won’t be in the vehicles themselves, but in how they connect to and interact with our broader infrastructure. Opportunities will emerge in charging-as-a-service, battery health monitoring, and mobility subscription models, while risks will include stranded assets in traditional automotive supply chains and utility infrastructure that fails to adapt. The organizations that thrive will be those viewing EVs not as products, but as platforms for innovation across multiple industries.
Ian Khan’s Closing
The electric vehicle revolution represents one of the most significant technological and societal shifts of our generation. As I often tell the leaders I work with, “The future of mobility isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about reimagining how energy, technology, and human movement converge to create smarter, more sustainable communities.”
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.
