Several reasons could lead to drivers spending some time in their vehicles whilst stationary, such as waiting to meet or pick up others or finishing listening to your favourite part of a radio show. However, the main reason drivers spend a significant amount of non-driving time sitting in the car is charging its battery.
OEMs are increasingly spending more efforts in creating more fulfilling stationary moments, such as Tesla with their video streaming, games and internet browser, Polestar with streaming as well, Mercedes EQS’ minigames. Tier 1 suppliers such as Harman envisioned vehicle occupants enjoying immersive and personalised live or virtual concerts –the latter in the absence of live music events during the pandemic-.
But not all demographics in the West experience stationary moments frequently, and despite battery electric vehicles market is forecast to grow at a CAAGR of 31% over 2021-2026, most customers belonging to the prime car-buying segments do not expect these moments to increase for them. In this context, is it worthwhile for OEMs targeting those segments in Western Europe and the States to design their vehicle interiors to elevate stationary moments or simply to enable them? What’s the situation for China?