Top 10: Sustainable Companies in EV
At a time when every company is dragging the word ‘sustainability’ into their press releases, these 10 companies see a future where it is not just a buzzword, but a value and a challenge accepted through the ranks. Statkraft, Rivian, NIO, BYD, Lucid Motors, BMW, Hyundai, GM, Volkswagen and Fisker are leading the future of electric transportation, clear in their commitment to safety, incorporating clean energy and expanding electric driving infrastructure.
Statkraft is Europe’s largest renewable energy generator, which backs sustainable electric mobility service, Mer. Mer believes in EV solutions which are sustainable beyond their primary purpose - to charge low-carbon vehicles with clean energy.
Mer seeks to minimise the impact of its activities on nature and society. Together, they unite their knowledge around renewables and electric mobility, to make electric vehicle charging simple, sustainable and accessible for all. Mer is working closely with the United Nations Sustainable development goals.
Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rivian, spoke at Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero. When asked who had the responsibility of advancing sustainability in the sector, Costa said that all of the sectors should come together.
“The responsibility lies with all of us, the situation is clear in terms of where the world needs to go and all the sectors that are involved,” she says.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker is focused on electric SUVs. At the Automobile Awards 2023, the Fisker Ocean won both Best Full Electric Vehicle and SUV of the Year. But besides its manufacturing prowess, Fisker is driven by a vision of a clean future for all.
“Our teams are dedicated to our mission to create the world’s most emotional and sustainable vehicles,” says CEO Henrik Fisker. “Every function works diligently for sustainability without compromising quality and design.”
Lucid Motors’ new generation of electric vehicles ensures that drivers no longer have to choose between ‘doing great things, doing the right thing and doing everything’.
“Developing and manufacturing the most advanced EVs isn’t enough,” says Peter Rawlinson, Lucid’s CEO. “We want to change the world. To increase our technology’s impact, we aim to make products that can do more with less energy and fewer materials, lowering their total environmental impact. As such, we believe efficiency is the new imperative.”
As a pioneer in the premium smart electric vehicle market, NIO’s goal is to help build a joyful lifestyle with the EVs that it designs and manufactures.
NIO takes the latest innovations in digital technologies, electric powertrains and batteries on the road to autonomous driving with its colourful fleet.
In the 2024 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, NIO received full scores in sustainable revenue and sustainable investment.
General Motors’ envisions a world with no car crashes, emissions or congestion. GM’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kristen Siemen, spoke with us to discuss how the company is using collaboration on its sustainability journey.
“General Motors is really in the midst of a transformation that includes our accelerated transition to both EVs and AVs, we're making and taking bold actions to move our business to carbon neutral,” she says.
BYD specialises in vehicles, IT and new energy and is the biggest supplier of rechargeable batteries in the world. China’s Belt and Road Initiative could open the road for BYD to make greater gains across Europe.
Michael Shu, Managing Director of BYD Europe said that in response to the Initiative, BYD had embraced an open and collaborative approach.
“Our transformative journey, evolving from technology to leading the shift towards green energy, illustrates our commitment to cultivating economic growth and employment in the Belt and Road regions,” Shu says.
Hyundai Motor India Limited is India’s first smart mobility solutions provider and the country’s biggest car exporter.
Hyundai has entered into a partnership with Healthy Seas and Ghost Diving USA, to increase its global commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all and advancing Hyundai's global vision of progress for humanity.
"Sustainability is a core human value for Hyundai and protecting the world's oceans is of utmost importance," says Randy Parker, CEO at Hyundai Motor America.
The BMW Group includes BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad. As a leading manufacturer of cars and motorcycles, the BMW Group’s production network covers 30 production sites and a global sales network reaching 140 countries.
For Thomas Becker, Head of Sustainability and Urban Mobility at the BMW Group, sustainability means much more than just building and selling electric vehicles.
“The bottom line is that only a comprehensive approach to sustainability, from resources to recycling, will actually reduce CO2 emissions,” he says.
BMW has always believed in long-term thinking and responsible action, but CEO Oliver Zipse, believes that as BMW is a premium car company, it must lead the way in sustainability.
“We are taking responsibility here and now,” says Zipse. “Our new strategic direction will be anchored in all divisions – from administration and purchasing to development and production, all the way to sales. We are taking sustainability to the next level.”
At Volkswagen, the goal is to ‘make mobility sustainable for us and for future generations’.
“We act with the mindset of a future-oriented transformation and strive to have a positive impact on nature and society,” says Dirk Voeste, Chief Sustainability Officer at Volkswagen Group. “The collective effort of all employees worldwide is our unique strength – we will manage this comprehensive change together.”
By fusing electric mobility with digital networking and autonomous driving, Volkswagen aims to make vehicles ‘clean, quiet, intelligent and safe’.
“The Volkswagen Group bears responsibility for shaping sustainable mobility for generations,” Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group adds “Our understanding of sustainability is holistic – it spans the four dimensions of nature, our people, society and business. We call that “regenerate+” – the Group’s new sustainability strategy.”
With a net carbon-neutral goal for 2050, it’s an exciting ride ahead for the Volkswagen Group.
*******************
Make sure you check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024.
*******************
EV is a BizClik brand.
