Volver a Blog Electric Vehicles EV & Connected Vehicle Investments: Opportunities and Gaps 22 de January de 2026 As the automotive industry transitions rapidly toward electrification and connectivity, strategic investment decisions are becoming a defining factor in who leads—and who lags—over the next decade. With global EV sales continuing to rise and consumer interest in connected features expanding, stakeholders across the value chain—from raw materials and battery production to software, cybersecurity and charging infrastructure—must understand where capital is creating value and where gaps persist. In this context, knowing where opportunity meets risk isn’t just informative; it’s foundational to gaining competitive advantage in the mobility market of 2026 and beyond. Current Landscape: Electrification & Connectivity Trends The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is well underway. EV sales are projected to continue strong growth with new registrations rising significantly year-over-year, driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressures and global sustainability goals. Connected features are increasingly expected by buyers and are a key differentiator in modern vehicle experience. Meanwhile, suppliers and OEMs are reporting strategic shifts in investment focus to adapt to evolving technological and market conditions. Key Investment Opportunities Across the Value Chain 🔋 1. Battery & Cell Production Battery production continues to attract investor attention, with robust growth forecasts and higher demand as EV adoption accelerates. Investments in next-generation cell technologies—such as solid-state batteries and improved chemistries—can unlock higher energy densities, faster charging and cost reductions. ⚡ 2. Charging & Infrastructure Charging infrastructure remains one of the most lucrative areas for investment. Markets are prioritising interconnected, smart charging stations that integrate with grids and renewable energy sources. However, lack of standardisation and high implementation costs present both challenges and openings for strategic investors to innovate and scale. 📡 3. Connectivity & Software Platforms Beyond hardware, software is a major value driver. Connected vehicle ecosystems deliver real-time data, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance and enhanced customer experiences. This digital layer—from vehicle-to-cloud connectivity to over-the-air (OTA) updates—is ripe for investment as mobility becomes software-defined. 🔐 4. Cybersecurity & Data Protection As vehicles increasingly rely on connected systems, securing them becomes paramount. The connected car security market (forecast to expand significantly through 2032) offers substantial opportunities for investors in advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored to in-vehicle and infrastructure networks. 🌍 5. Smart Energy & Grid Integration (V2G / Bi-Directional Charging) Technologies that allow EVs to interact with the grid—such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services—are emerging as strategic growth segments. These innovations position EVs not only as transportation assets but also as distributed energy resources, creating cross-sector investment synergies. Investment Gaps and Strategic Risks 🏗️ 1. Infrastructure Bottlenecks Despite rapid expansion, charging infrastructure is still insufficient in many regions, especially outside urban centres. This gap can stall adoption and hinder returns for stakeholders relying on widespread network build-out. 🔄 2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Many regions remain dependent on concentrated suppliers for critical EV components—such as batteries—raising geopolitical and price volatility risks for investors and OEMs alike. 💰 3. High Capital Intensity and Payback Timelines Electrification and connectivity investments often require significant upfront capital with longer return horizons compared with traditional automotive segments—a deterrent for certain types of investors. ⚙️ 4. Standardisation and Interoperability Challenges Lack of unified standards for charging protocols, data communication and cybersecurity increases complexity and cost, creating fragmentation that can stifle ecosystem interoperability and investor confidence. Strategic Takeaways for Investors & Industry Leaders For investors and industry leaders navigating the rapid transformation of mobility, a clear strategic approach is essential. Building diversified portfolios across the EV ecosystem—balancing hardware, software and service-based solutions—can help mitigate risk while capturing value at multiple points in the chain. At the same time, prioritising scalable and interoperable technologies is key, as standards-friendly solutions are more likely to enable long-term growth and ecosystem cohesion. Collaboration across sectors, particularly between automotive, technology, energy and infrastructure players, is also becoming a powerful lever to unlock new revenue models and accelerate innovation. Finally, as vehicles become increasingly connected, investing in cyber-resilient technologies is no longer optional; robust security capabilities will emerge as a critical competitive differentiator in the next phase of the electric and connected mobility market.
For investors and industry leaders navigating the rapid transformation of mobility, a clear strategic approach is essential. Building diversified portfolios across the EV ecosystem—balancing hardware, software and service-based solutions—can help mitigate risk while capturing value at multiple points in the chain. At the same time, prioritising scalable and interoperable technologies is key, as standards-friendly solutions are more likely to enable long-term growth and ecosystem cohesion. Collaboration across sectors, particularly between automotive, technology, energy and infrastructure players, is also becoming a powerful lever to unlock new revenue models and accelerate innovation. Finally, as vehicles become increasingly connected, investing in cyber-resilient technologies is no longer optional; robust security capabilities will emerge as a critical competitive differentiator in the next phase of the electric and connected mobility market.