The world is abuzz with All-Electric Vehicles (EVs), seen an environmentally-friendly technology since it reduces air pollution due to transportation powered by fossil fuels which accounts for the largest percentage of greenhouse gas emission.
Sales of EVs globally topped 2.1 million globally in 2019, as automakers shift to cleaner, sustainable vehicle technologies. EVs work using electric motors instead of the internal combustion engine. The motor is connected to a battery that is regularly charged.
Electric vehicles are therefore key to achieving the global net zero and carbon neutral agenda, to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Some countries have set 100% zero-emission targets by 2050 requiring the gradual phasing out of internal combustion cars from their roads.
LG has not been left in the race to build electric vehicles for the mass market. For example, LG has partnered with major automakers to integrate energy-saving and other innovative technologies into EVs. One such partnership is a joint venture (JV) that LG is set to launch later this year with Magna International Inc.
LG Magna will produce e-motors, inverters, on-board chargers and even e-drive systems for multiple car brands. The JV builds on LG’s strong track record as a trusted supplier of car infotainment systems using renewable energy technology like the Solar Car roof.
Over more than 30 years of research and development, LG has been able to produce innovative, high-performance solar technology. The long-lasting, energy-efficient and sustainable solar panels have significant environmental benefits.
For example, LG’s solar panel’s energy-saving capabilities come in part from the Cello technology which increases power output allowing up to 30% more energy generation than standard PV modules but also incorporates a sophisticated design that is quite appealing.
For an EV owner this means less time spent re-charging while reducing electricity consumption. 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity generated results in 300 grams of carbon dioxide emission. Most electric cars in the market today require 15kWh to travel 100 kilometers meaning 4.5 kilograms of CO2 emitted.
Thus using solar to power EVs means less carbon emissions and supports the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12 on responsible consumption of resources, and Goal 15 on combating climate change through reducing carbon emissions.
Through cooperation with companies actively involved in developing EVs, either to supply energy-saving or renewable energy technology or other vehicle accessories, LG is contributing to the global sustainability goals on transitioning to a carbon neutral planet.
LG has also partnered with other firms to make EVs more comfortable by integrating advanced digital technologies into the vehicles. An example is software engineering firm Luxoft which has paired with LG to create a new company called Alluto that is building digital experiences in cars based on the webOS Auto platform, for instance, in-vehicle infotainment systems that bring the living room to the car. The IONIQ Concept Cabin that LG has developed with Hyundai is yet another unique collaboration pushing the boundaries of vehicle technology. The concept features spacious interiors for EVs complete with LG OLED TV screens.