The collaborative research project was part of a course taught by IESE professor Marc Sachon, and was aimed at analysing how the growth of e-mobility in Spain could happen, and the effects on the supply chain.

It concluded that public grants were not sufficient, and that the total cost of ownership for electric vehicles would take as much as nine years to compare to a conventional car, depending on fuel price, taxes and the cost of the drivetrain components.

Although most Spanish motorists could make the change to e-mobility, this would be reliant on a more developed infrastructure, with standardisation of components key. Strategic alliances between public administration and manufacturers was identified as the most effective way to develop the market, and that the changing supply chain could create more jobs.

SEAT has already begun working on electric models, with a production version scheduled for a 2015 release under the manufacturer’s Ecomotive banner. A plug-in hybrid Leon and battery electric Altea XL are being loaned to government agencies in Catalonia and Madrid for use on their fleet.