Informatica: Driving Data Excellence in EV Evolution

The EV industry stands at a critical juncture where technological innovation meets regulatory demands for sustainability. As the sector accelerates towards mass adoption, managing the environmental footprint across the entire lifecycle of EVs has become paramount. Data is at the heart of this challenge—the invaluable resource determining which manufacturers thrive in an increasingly scrutinised market. A leading voice in this conversation is Levent Ergin, Chief Strategist for Climate, Sustainability and Gen AI at Informatica, who offers insights into how data management will shape the future of sustainable mobility.

The regulatory horizon: Battery passports and beyond

The regulatory landscape for EV manufacturers is evolving rapidly and the EU's upcoming battery legislation amendment will transform compliance requirements across the industry.

"The EU's upcoming battery legislation amendment is set to go live in 2027, requiring EV businesses to provide access to granular information on the sustainability and environmental impact of their supply chain, from mining to recycling," explains Levent. "The information will need to be accessible on a battery-by-battery level – units must ship with an attached QR code linking to that battery's legislation compliance 'passport'."

The shift towards total transparency will require manufacturers to implement sophisticated data collection systems that track everything from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling provisions. The challenge is immense, requiring collaboration across complex global supply chains.

"To comply, businesses must collect, store and share vast amounts of data—from wastewater treatment at lithium mines to worker conditions and battery recycling provisions," notes Levent. "Powerful data management technology is essential to handle inputs from hundreds of suppliers and thousands of sources. Without robust systems to organise and present this information efficiently, compliance will be extremely challenging."

Unlocking supply chain visibility through data

The black-box nature of traditional automotive supply chains is becoming increasingly untenable in the age of electric mobility. Environmental credibility demands visibility at every stage of production.

When asked how transparent data can help address sustainability requirements, Levent explains: "Better data enables faster, more informed decision-making. Suppose your supply chain is effectively a series of black boxes, with data on processes, emissions and recycling siloed off in multiple supplier databases. In that case, it becomes hard to effectively address sustainability issues."

The visibility isn't merely about regulatory compliance—it represents a strategic advantage in identifying inefficiencies and environmental hotspots.

"Gaining access to transparent, reliable data on every stage of the EV manufacturing lifecycle will give organisations the ability to spot inefficiencies, identify potential sources of negative social or environmental impact and determine cost-effective ways to address those challenges," Levent adds.

Meeting zero-emission mandates through data excellence

While EV adoption continues to grow, the industry faces significant hurdles in meeting ambitious government targets. The UK's mandate requiring 28% of new registrations to be zero-emission by the end of 2025 illustrates the scale of the challenge ahead.

"The market is showing encouraging signs regarding take-up of battery electric vehicles. However, heavy discounts have incentivised demand across fleets, businesses and consumers and the current UK figures are still far short of the mandatory 28% of new registrations required by the Government by the end of 2025," Levent observes. "Manufacturers are warning that the target is highly unlikely to be hit under current market conditions."

Overcoming these hurdles requires manufacturers to leverage comprehensive data strategies that build credibility with both governments and consumers.

"Winning continued government support and boosting consumer confidence are key to achieving the target. In both cases, it is crucial to have a watertight understanding of the sustainability and environmental and social impact of the supply chain," states Levent. "Government incentives are linked to the green credentials of shifting to EVs, so it's important to be able to demonstrate that the end product isn't the tip of a damaging, high-emission iceberg."

For consumers increasingly focused on sustainability, transparency becomes a differentiator in the marketplace. "Likewise for consumers, there's an increasing drive to make sustainable purchases and reduce the emissions associated with everything from groceries to cars.

"So manufacturers need to interpret, manage and master huge volumes of data – from mining and refining companies and recycling firms, as well as the producers of batteries. Only then can they understand all the components that come together in making their EVs."

AI: Powering the next frontier in EV infrastructure

The convergence of artificial intelligence with electric mobility presents remarkable opportunities to optimise vehicle production and the entire EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure and grid integration.

"AI can process vast amounts of data at lightning speed, not only answering pre-defined queries but learning from past usage patterns to predict spikes in EV demand," explains Levent. "This is particularly useful for organisations managing large fleets of EVs where balancing supply and demand across charging infrastructure can be a challenge."

As EV adoption accelerates, the pressure on charging networks and electrical grids will intensify, making AI-driven optimisation essential.

Beyond infrastructure management, AI is already transforming manufacturing processes. "Beyond grid management, we're already seeing AI – particularly agentic AI, automating complex workflows and helping manufacturers ensure quality control. For instance, agentic AI can oversee zero-defect production processes in chassis welding, battery assembly and painting. These autonomous AI systems can proactively detect anomalies in real-time, allowing manufacturers to optimise production."

However, Levent emphasises a critical caveat: "But and it's a big but, these AI agents will only be as good as the data that underpins them.

"The EV manufacturers that refine their data strategies and governance today, ensuring they are using high-quality, domain-specific data, will be the ones best positioned to take advantage."

The future of the EV industry is inextricably linked to the quality, transparency and management of data across the entire value chain. From meeting stringent regulatory requirements to winning consumer trust and optimising infrastructure through AI, data excellence will separate the leaders from the laggards in this rapidly evolving sector.

As battery passports become mandatory and zero-emission mandates intensify, manufacturers must invest in robust data management systems that track sustainability metrics from mine to recycling facility.

Those who master the challenge will achieve compliance and gain competitive advantages through improved operational efficiency and enhanced market credibility.

The road to sustainable mobility is paved with data and the companies that recognise its reality today will drive the electric revolution tomorrow.

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