This study analyzes the industrial dynamics of electric vehicles
using product life cycle and eco-innovation concepts. A unique
database of approximately 450 electric vehicle prototype and production
models from 1991 to 2011 was collected and analyzed.
This research largely focused on three factors that become fluid
during a transitional era of ferment (the technology, the set of
firms and the target market). Results show that since 2004, the
number of companies producing electric vehicle (EV) models has
substantially increased with startup firms comprising a majority
of that growth. The variety of battery types used in EV models has
expanded, largely through lithium-ion chemistries. Large incumbents
and startup firms have targeted different consumer markets
with their EV models. Startup firms developed EV models for niche
markets (sports cars and low speed vehicles) while large incumbents
generally developed EV models that are more in line with
current customer demands