Podcast
Autology
Hosted by S&P Global Mobility · EN
IHS Markit is now part of S&P Global.
Autology is a weekly podcast series from the experts at AutoTechInsight.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Price of Power: What's Driving EV Battery Costs?
2d ago00:33:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Autology, Rebecca Bellchambers is joined by Ali Adim and Hugo Cruz from S&P Global Mobility's battery research team to unpack one of the most important topics in the EV industry: battery pricing. The discussion explores why batteries remain the biggest cost driver in electric vehicles, how raw material volatility and manufacturing location shape pricing, and what the latest Battquant model reveals about cell and pack cost trends. The episode also examines the impact of lithium price swings, geopolitics, regional policy frameworks in Europe and North America, and how these factors are influencing the path to BEV-ICE parity. The team also looks ahead to the future of LFP and sodium-ion batteries, discussing where further cost reductions may come from and whether new chemistries could reshape the market in the years ahead. Speakers: Ali Adim- Battery Research Manager Hugo Cruz- Principal Battery Research Analyst Rebecca Bellchambers- Host/ Senior Battery Research Analyst We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts! hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!
Transcribe →Supplier Soundbytes: Carmakers Rethink the Windshield
2w ago00:10:31Tap to summarizeIn the automotive industry, few technologies have spent longer in the "promising but peripheral" category than the head-up display. Yet as vehicles become increasingly software-defined - and as the cockpit itself evolves from a mechanical interface into a digital environment - the humble windshield is beginning to look less like passive glass and more like prime visual real estate. That is the backdrop to this latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes from S&P Global Mobility, featuring Andy Travers, chief executive of Ceres Holographics. The company's proposition is deceptively simple: rather than bolting ever more screens into the dashboard, embed holographic optical films directly into the windshield itself, turning the glass into part of the display architecture. The implications, however, are rather larger than another iteration of the conventional head-up display. Travers argues that legacy HUD systems have reached something close to their functional ceiling, constrained as much by limited user experience as by hardware. The next phase, he suggests, will depend less on projecting more information and more on deciding which information matters — and when. The conversation ranges from the misuse of the term "holographic" to the practical realities of integrating optical films into automotive glass supply chains. But beneath the technical detail sits a broader strategic question for carmakers: if the windshield becomes a dynamic digital surface, who controls the value - the optics specialists enabling the display, or the software platforms determining the experience? For OEMs, the message is clear. The technology may now be ready. The industry's imagination, perhaps, is still catching up. Andy Travers [Source: Ceres Holographics] We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →
Watt's the big idea: South Korea's next generation battery moves
Apr 1300:27:05Tap to summarizeToday's episode of Autology takes you inside InterBattery 2026 in Seoul to decode what the world's biggest battery players are really signaling right now. This year's show didn't just feel like an EV-focused expo—it felt like a turning point: a broader, sharper and a growing race to win the next era of batteries – not just for EVs but also for rapidly evolving applications in energy storage, AI, robots, and beyond. Key highlights include: a) A government warning with a deadline: We unpack Vice Minister Moon Shin-Hak's '5–7 years' message—why Korea sees a narrowing strategic window to restructure its value chain, strengthen domestic materials, and stay globally competitive amid US–China tech rivalry and supply chain realignment. b) LG Energy Solution: First public reveal of its LMR battery co-developed with General Motors, plus bipolar and sodium-ion technologies—showing leadership beyond conventional EV narratives. c) SK On: Prismatic innovation and thermal management, including the 'on-vent prismatic cell' concept designed for better safety and design flexibility. d) Samsung SDI: A deliberate pivot away from automotive imagery toward ESS solutions for the AI era, led by its Samsung Battery Box (SBB) line-up. e) Materials players (POSCO, EcoPro, LG Chem, L&F): A strong value-chain push around critical minerals, recycling, and safety materials, including LG Chem's thermal runaway-delaying plastics and Nexula aerogel insulation. f) Battery for AI, AI for Battery: How AI data centers are accelerating ESS demand, while battery companies increasingly use AI in diagnostics, defect reduction, and materials/cell optimization. g) Non-EV applications take center stage: From robots and drones to micro-mobility, aerospace, and even defense-related discussions, this episode tracks the widening commercial map for batteries well beyond passenger EVs. h) The ESS pivot—and why Korea may differ from the US: While US plants are redirecting capacity from EV batteries into ESS, South Korea may move toward a balanced mixed-production model, supported by 2030 EV adoption targets and ESS tenders. i) Solid-state – prestige, but smaller-scale first: A key insight—solid-state commercialization appears to be gravitating toward robots and specialized applications before EV-scale deployment, reflecting practical limits around size, yield, and mass production readiness. j) LFP pressure and China's equipment edge: The episode closes on the most commercially urgent theme: Korean makers racing to scale LFP (largely for ESS)—and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturing equipment suppliers, highlighted by Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment winning a major award and broader adoption of Chinese production tools across Korean cell makers. Speakers: John Ahn, Senior Research Analyst, Battery, S&P Global Mobility Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!
Transcribe →
CAM Jam: The Cathode Race
Apr 200:38:26Tap to summarizeToday's episode of Autology dives deep into the pivotal role of cathode active materials (CAM) in shaping the future of global battery manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The speakers break down why CAM is the most expensive and performance-critical component in EV batteries, how it influences cost, energy density, and cycle life, and what this means for automakers and consumers worldwide. Key highlights include: CAM Overview: CAM, comprising materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, accounts for up to 45% of battery cell costs and is central to battery performance. The episode explains the chemistry behind CAM, its impact on battery affordability, and the technical trade-offs between LFP and NCM chemistries. Industry Momentum: China currently dominates the CAM and LFP supply chain, holding over 80% market share, but new government policies are reshaping the landscape by tightening standards and restricting advanced technology exports. Meanwhile, Europe and North America are accelerating efforts to localize CAM production, with new investments and projects aiming to reduce reliance on imports. Policy Support & Future Outlook: The discussion covers recent policy moves, such as [mainland] China's anti-involution measures and export controls, changes in VAT rebates and Europe's Industrial Accelerator Act, all of which are influencing supply chain strategies and investment. The future of CAM will be shaped by ongoing innovation in battery chemistries, regional policy shifts, and the race to build resilient, cost-competitive supply chains outside [mainland] China. This episode offers a front-row seat to understanding the global race for battery supremacy, revealing how CAM supply chains are at the heart of EV affordability, innovation, and geopolitical strategy. Tune in to hear expert insights on market trends, policy impacts, and what's next for the world's battery makers. Speakers: Ali Adim, Manager, Battery Research, Supply Chain & Technology, S&P Global Mobility. Eileen Wu, Senior Research Analyst, Battery, S&P Global Mobility. Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!
Transcribe →
Supplier Soundbytes: When software takes the wheel
Mar 900:09:10Tap to summarizeIn the automotive industry, some technologies spend decades in the realm of promise before quietly becoming inevitable. Steer-by-wire is one of them. For years, the idea of removing the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the road wheels felt more like a concept-car talking point than a near-term engineering reality. Yet in the latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes, S&P Global Mobility's concise Autology podcast series, that assumption is challenged. Our guest is Jake Morris, portfolio director for steer-by-wire at ZF Group, and his message is straightforward: The conditions that once delayed steer-by-wire have largely disappeared. The key shift lies in the rapid emergence of the software-defined vehicle. Modern electric platforms increasingly rely on centralized computing architectures, advanced electronics and integrated control systems. In such an environment, the steering system is no longer an isolated mechanical device but part of a broader digital ecosystem that governs how a car moves. That change matters. Traditional steering relies on a physical column linking the steering wheel to the front axle. Steer-by-wire replaces this connection with electronic signals, sensors and actuators. For decades, concerns about safety, redundancy and reliability kept the technology at bay. Today, Morris argues, those concerns have largely been addressed. Production-ready systems now feature redundant safety architectures and high-integrity actuators designed to meet stringent global standards. If the technology itself is largely solved, the real challenge has shifted elsewhere: integration. For carmakers, adopting steer-by-wire is less about replacing a single component than about rethinking how multiple vehicle systems interact. Steering must work seamlessly with braking, propulsion and suspension control. The aim is not simply functional integration but coordinated vehicle dynamics — what suppliers increasingly describe as "motion control." This shift carries strategic implications for manufacturers. Carmakers must ensure that their vehicles retain a distinctive driving character even as control systems become more software-driven and modular. In other words, the digitalization of steering should not erase brand identity. Achieving that balance requires common control architectures that allow scale across platforms while preserving the nuances that differentiate one brand from another. Yet the most striking implications of steer-by-wire may lie beyond the engineering department. Once the mechanical steering column disappears, designers gain freedoms that were previously impossible. Without a shaft running from the cockpit to the front axle, vehicle packaging becomes more flexible. Crash structures can be re-engineered, cabin layouts reconsidered and interior design reimagined. The driver experience changes as well. Steering characteristics — such as ratio, responsiveness and feedback — can be tuned entirely through software. At low speeds, the system can prioritize manoeuvrability; at high speeds, stability. Over-the-air updates may even allow manufacturers to refine steering feel long after the vehicle leaves the factory. In the longer term, steer-by-wire also aligns neatly with the ambitions of automated driving. A steering wheel that is no longer mechanically connected can retract, remain stationary or operate differently depending on the driving mode. For Morris, the conclusion is clear. Steer-by-wire is not merely a technical upgrade but a foundational element of the next generation of vehicles. As deployments begin across major automotive markets this year, the technology will generate real-world data and feedback, accelerating further development. In that sense, the real story is not about removing a mechanical linkage. It is about transforming the chassis from a collection of components into an intelligent, software-coordinated system — one that promises new levels of adaptability, efficiency and design freedom. And after years of anticipation, the industry appears ready to steer in that direction. Jake Morris Image source: ZF We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →
Supplier Soundbytes: Rare earths, real politics
Mar 200:06:35Tap to summarizeFor years, rare earth elements were the wallflowers of the electric vehicle revolution: chemically exotic, geopolitically awkward and largely ignored. Lithium and cobalt stole the limelight. Rare earths — essential to the permanent magnets that power electric motors — were treated as a niche sustainability concern, a footnote to the main act. No longer. As supply chains fray and industrial policies harden, rare earths have been recast as instruments of national security. Control over them increasingly shapes trade policy, investment screening and corporate strategy. Carmakers that once asked how "green" their materials were now ask how secure they are. The shift is subtle but profound: from carbon accounting to strategic resilience. That is the backdrop to the latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes, part of S&P Global Mobility's Autology series. In it, Ahmad Ghahreman, founder and chief executive of Cyclic Materials, argues that the future of electromobility may depend less on what is mined than on what is recovered. The numbers explain the anxiety. The bulk of rare-earth mining — and an even greater share of processing — takes place in a single country. Deposits elsewhere are often deep, dispersed or environmentally fraught. Even when ores are dug up outside Asia, they are frequently shipped back there for separation and refining. The result is a supply chain that is efficient in calm times, but brittle in turbulent ones. Ghahreman's contention is that recycling offers not merely an environmental salve but a strategic hedge. Unlike mining, which is hostage to geology, recycling is governed by product cycles and policy choices. End-of-life motors, wind turbines and electronics constitute what he calls an "overground deposit" — a stock of material already extracted, processed and embedded in goods now reaching obsolescence. In North America and Europe, that urban mine is growing quietly each year. Particularly striking is the distinction between light and heavy rare earths. The latter, vital for high-performance magnets, are more geologically concentrated and more tightly controlled. Yet over decades of importing finished products, Western economies have effectively accumulated sizeable above-ground reserves of these same heavy elements. Well-executed recycling can tap that stock far faster than a new mine can be permitted, financed and built. Still, bottlenecks abound. Mining is constrained by geology and permitting; processing by capital intensity and technical know-how; end-of-life recovery by fragmented collection systems and products never designed for disassembly. Asked where the pinch point will be as EV volumes rise, Ghahreman's answer is disarmingly comprehensive: all of the above. That breadth of constraint sharpens the case for circularity. A local recycling loop, he says, shortens supply chains and anchors value domestically. It also alters the calculus for carmakers choosing motor technologies. A magnet that is marginally more efficient but dependent on a precarious supply may look less attractive once strategic risk is priced in. Yet, redesigning every vehicle for easy rare earth recovery is unrealistic. Global platforms, tight margins and long development cycles conspire against bespoke recyclability. Cyclic Materials has instead pursued what Ghahreman calls a "feedstock-agnostic" approach: technology capable of handling mixed materials — copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and magnets — without demanding that manufacturers reengineer their products first. The implication is pragmatic. Waiting for perfect design standards may delay circularity for a generation, while building robust, adaptable processing capacity could accelerate it within this decade. The message is clear enough. In the contest for clean mobility, rare earths have moved from the margins to the center, and the winners may be those who treat yesterday's waste as tomorrow's strategic reserve. Ahmad Ghahreman Source: Cyclic Materials We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →
Supplier Soundbytes: When cars learn to reason
Mar 200:03:50Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →
Supplier Soundbytes: The car is learning to talk back
Feb 1700:03:21Tap to summarizeThe modern car is already a rolling computer. Now it is being taught to converse. In Supplier Soundbytes, S&P Global Mobility's new concise podcast series, industry executives dissect the forces reshaping the automotive supply chain. In this episode, Dr Moritz Neukirchner, Senior Director, Head of Cross-Portfolio Growth and Strategic Alliances for Elektrobit, argues that AI agents are poised to become the organising interface of the software-defined vehicle (SDV)—not a decorative add-on, but a functional necessity. At the 2026 CES in Las Vegas, carmakers and suppliers showcased AI copilots designed not merely to chat, but to manage the growing complexity of the modern vehicle—adjusting drive modes, configuring advanced driver-assistance systems, personalising cabin settings and navigating increasingly layered infotainment menus through natural conversation. The ambition is less about booking dinner than orchestrating the car itself. Yet, as Dr Neukirchner observes, the leap from demonstration to dependable deployment is slower than the hype suggests. The obstacle is not only technical. It reflects the awkward realities of regulation, computing power and trust. Privacy regimes differ sharply between Europe, America and China. Carmakers must decide which data may leave the vehicle and which must remain within it. The emerging answer is "edge AI": inference performed inside the car. Processing on board reduces latency, limits data-transfer costs and helps satisfy regulators wary of cloud dependency. Yet the cloud will remain indispensable. Training models, pushing updates and handling compute-intensive workloads will continue to rely on remote infrastructure. The likely outcome is a hybrid architecture, with responsibilities divided between vehicle and server according to use case and jurisdiction. Beneath the technical debate lies a larger shift. As vehicles become more software-driven, their functionality grows more intricate. Without a new interface, complexity risks overwhelming the driver. AI agents, argues Dr Neukirchner, may become the layer that renders the SDV usable. In that sense, they are less a novelty than a necessity. Dr. Moritz Neukirchner We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →
Bidirectional charging technologies and their role in global EV adoption
Feb 1700:40:01Tap to summarizeToday's episode of Autology attempts to discuss and examine the critical role of bidirectional charging (BDC) in enhancing the adoption of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) globally. The speakers discuss what are the different types of bidirectional charging technologies, and why are they key to grid stability amid increasing vehicle electrification. Key highlights include: BDC Overview: BDC allows EVs to both receive and send electricity, transforming them into energy storage solutions that can help balance supply and demand on power grids. Use Cases: The technology supports various applications, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) for grid services, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for backup power, and broader Vehicle-to-X (V2X) functionalities. Industry Momentum: Major automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen are advancing BDC capabilities, with Nissan recognized as a pioneer in V2G technology. Policy Support: Regulatory frameworks in the EU, US, and Australia/New Zealand are promoting standardization and cybersecurity for BDC deployment. Future Outlook: By 2035, over 40% of EVs are expected to feature BDC capabilities, creating opportunities for charger manufacturers and utility partnerships. This episode underscores the potential of BDC to facilitate a sustainable energy ecosystem while boosting EV adoption. Tune in to this episode of Autology to hear about an in-depth discussion about the bidirectional charging technology, the benefits and potential challenges and S&P Global Mobility's outlook on its adoption. Speakers: Diana Quezada, Senior Research Analyst, Charging Technologies, S&P Global Mobility Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at our autology@spglobal.com email, and you can find out much more across the autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com website. Don't forget to hit all the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay on track with the latest Autology podcasts!
Transcribe →
The Steel Deal: Lightweighting the Future of EVs
Dec 1100:48:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Autology, Matthew Beecham sits down with Mengyin Tao, Principal Research Analyst for Materials at S&P Global Mobility, and Ingo Olschewski, Director of WorldAutoSteel, to explore how advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) is reshaping modern vehicle design and manufacturing. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities created by the rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) - from the growing demand for lightweight materials to the ongoing need to maximize safety and performance. The conversation delves into innovative fabrication methods such as tailor-welded blanks and hydroforming, which boost structural integrity while cutting weight and production costs. Join us to discover how AHSS is driving innovation across the automotive industry and supporting its evolving sustainability ambitions. Don't miss this opportunity to hear expert perspectives on the future of automotive materials. Speakers: · Ingo Olschewski, Director of WorldAutoSteel · Mengyin Tao, Principal Research Analyst for Materials at S&P Global Mobility · Matthew Beecham, Moderator and Research Manager, S&P Global Mobility We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Transcribe →