„By 2050, most cars on the road will be electric,” stated Prashanth Doreswamy, CEO of Continental India, in an online lecture to students and teaching staff of Széchenyi István University. The executive, who leads a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, spoke about the challenges and future of electromobility.
In line with its commitment to high academic standards and close ties with industry, Széchenyi University regularly organizes lectures by key figures from the economy and corporate sectors. The global development of electromobility and the changes in the automotive industry are current and popular topics, as evidenced by the attendance of nearly one hundred students and faculty members at the presentation by Continental India’s CEO.
In the online programme, Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at the University, introduced Prashanth Doreswamy as a significant figure in the automotive and manufacturing industries. She highlighted his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to excellence in leading Continental India. „In recognition of his exceptional leadership, Mr. Doreswamy has received several industry accolades in recent years, including Icon of India Inc – 2021: Stars of India Manufacturing Industry” and „Asia’s Promising Business Leader” by the Economic Times in 2021-22”, she added.
In his lecture, the CEO discussed the evolution of the automotive industry, emphasizing that changing consumer demands in recent years have driven numerous technological innovations. He noted that approximately 1.3 billion cars are currently in use worldwide, making the automotive industry a significant contributor to global GDP, but also one of the largest industrial sources of carbon dioxide emissions. „One of the reasons for the commitment to reducing environmental impacts is that last year, 7 percent of cars purchased were electric. By 2030, it is expected that every fifth vehicle sold will be electric, and these numbers are continuously increasing. China has the largest share, producing 60 percent of the electric vehicles sold globally in 2023,” explained Prashanth Doreswamy.
The expert predicted that by 2030, 30 percent of vehicles on the road will be electric, internal combustion engine production will significantly reduce by 2040, and by 2050, mostly only electric cars will be in use. However, for this to become a reality, three things are needed: technological advancements, changes in consumer habits and international regulations. „More people are paying attention to reducing their carbon footprint, and electric vehicles provide a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Additionally, the rising cost of fuels and the demand for more conscious energy use also support green vehicles,” he added.
The CEO of Continental India highlighted that over the entire lifespan of a vehicle, electric cars have high carbon dioxide emissions only during manufacturing, while traditional vehicles pollute the environment throughout their use. „We need to think consciously about future needs, as the automotive industry operates a vast supply chain network that must shift from traditional fuels to more sustainable energy production alternatives,” he stated.
