What is skateboard in the EV industry? It is platform typically consists of a flat, elongated chassis that houses the battery pack, electric motor, and other key components. The design resembles a skateboard, with the battery pack forming the “deck” and the electric motor, suspension, and other components integrated into the chassis resembling the “wheels.”
The first EV skateboard platform prototype was developed by General Motors in 2002. Since then, OEMs and other technology companies are investing their money and time to develop a modular skateboard platform. One successful company well-known in the market is Tesla founded in 2003. In 2009, Tesla became the first mass-produced EV brand with skateboard platform. Tesla’s Model S, Model 3, and Model X are all equipped with a skateboard chassis, allowing for increased performance and efficiency.
Why is Skateboard Platform needed?
Common platforms are not a new concept to automobile sector, as different models / brands of ICE vehicles share common chassis, like Toyota/Lexus, Volkswagen/Audi, etc. Using the same chassis for different car models is more efficient and cheaper for manufacturing. Likewise, the EV skateboard platform’s inherent modularity and scalability facilitate cost-effective vehicle development and production. By standardizing components and manufacturing processes, automakers can streamline production workflows, reduce time to market, and lower overall manufacturing costs, making EVs more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
The move to a skateboard chassis also helps with vehicle dynamics. Having the batteries in the vehicle’s floor lowers the centre of gravity, helping to improve the handling and providing more space for the driver and passengers or for carrying a load.
Local startups and manufacturers in Southeast Asia are increasingly leveraging the flexibility of the four-wheeler skateboard platform to develop customized EVs tailored to the region’s unique needs and preferences. Whether for ride-sharing services, last-mile delivery, or personal transportation, investments and collaborations are rapidly increasing in these regions.
Total EV sales in 2023 from Southeast Asia experienced a year-on-year growth of 894%, the highest globally. This surge was propelled by consumers in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. EY-Parthenon analysis expects the ASEAN-6 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore) EV market to record a compound annual growth rate of 16%–39% in the coming years till 2035.
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