Electric
vehicles (EVs) are propelled with electric motors and rechargeable batteries.
The Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) has robotic legs that give it the ability
to travel on any surface on earth. Besides its ability for search-and-rescue
missions it can drive up to the home of the disabled (because of robotic legs).
The
automotive industry is undergoing a major transition as fossil fuel vehicles
are rapidly being replaced. The production of electric vehicles is less
labour-intensive and it is estimated that their production will impact
employment across the globe, including Malaysia.
Electric
vehicles have fewer moving parts and are also less likely to break down. On the
other hand, electric vehicles do have more electronic sensors, but these
require a smaller workforce to produce and assemble.
The new
skills that are required for the production of these vehicles will shift away
from mechanical and materials engineering toward chemical, battery, and
software engineering. Lithium batteries used by EVs will either need to be
manufactured or imported, opening up business opportunities.
Jobs in the
petroleum industry will be reduced due to a substantial decline in demand, but
will be replaced by demand for a workforce in the carbon-neutral energy supply
companies, where rapid growth is expected.
Some of the
skill sets for the manufacture of EVs and UMVs are still in short supply and
universities will also need to offer more specialized courses, especially in
battery engineering and robotics.
Dealerships,
mechanics, etc, will have to adapt to the new circumstances as electric cars
require less maintenance.
Job losses
in the vehicle industry will be off-set by other opportunities in electricity
supply and old car reconditioning. Without a doubt, this is one industry where
new skill requirements and training programs will be needed to reduce the
impact.
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