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Transitioning to Electric UTVs: Implications for Assembly Tooling

Hirdman, Carl LU and Hjorth, Jonatan LU (2023) MMKM10 20231
Innovation
Abstract
This thesis explores the UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicle) transition from internal
combustion engines to electric drive and how the shift will impact Atlas Copco as
an assembly tool manufacturer. Research is conducted based on a mixed-method
approach, using both semi-structured interviews with key manufacturers and Atlas
Copco sales engineers, as well as a multiple case study at manufacturing plants.
The findings showed that the transition to electric drive is still in its infancy and is
likely to accelerate soon. Electric vehicles were generally found to contain fewer
components and thus have fewer applications for tightening tools in their assembly.
Much of the difference comes from the fact that electric engines require far fewer
... (More)
This thesis explores the UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicle) transition from internal
combustion engines to electric drive and how the shift will impact Atlas Copco as
an assembly tool manufacturer. Research is conducted based on a mixed-method
approach, using both semi-structured interviews with key manufacturers and Atlas
Copco sales engineers, as well as a multiple case study at manufacturing plants.
The findings showed that the transition to electric drive is still in its infancy and is
likely to accelerate soon. Electric vehicles were generally found to contain fewer
components and thus have fewer applications for tightening tools in their assembly.
Much of the difference comes from the fact that electric engines require far fewer
tightening operations compared to internal combustion engines. However, the
assembly of electric components and battery packs requires new advanced tooling
solutions. When transitioning to electric drive, many manufacturers were found to
most commonly source their battery packs and electric engines from external
suppliers. This can displace Atlas Copco’s business within the segment.
Several opportunities and challenges for Atlas Copco’s business as an assembly tool
supplier were identified. Firstly, the transition to electric drive will likely generate
significant tooling needs on the manufacturers side. Electric vehicles tend to require
more advanced tools and solutions which likely will benefit Atlas Copco as a
premium tool supplier. There are however long-term challenges as a result of
electric UTVs having fewer components and fewer tightenings in the assembly
process. One long-term opportunity that could potentially offset the decline in
tightenings within final assembly, is battery pack assembly. This process does not
only require a lot of advanced tightenings, but there are also opportunities for other
joining techniques. Thus, Atlas Copco’s business biggest opportunities within the
UTV industry are likely to shift from vehicle final assembly to battery pack
assembly. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hirdman, Carl LU and Hjorth, Jonatan LU
supervisor
organization
course
MMKM10 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9121308
date added to LUP
2023-06-14 09:16:43
date last changed
2023-06-14 09:16:43
@misc{9121308,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicle) transition from internal
combustion engines to electric drive and how the shift will impact Atlas Copco as
an assembly tool manufacturer. Research is conducted based on a mixed-method
approach, using both semi-structured interviews with key manufacturers and Atlas
Copco sales engineers, as well as a multiple case study at manufacturing plants.
The findings showed that the transition to electric drive is still in its infancy and is
likely to accelerate soon. Electric vehicles were generally found to contain fewer
components and thus have fewer applications for tightening tools in their assembly.
Much of the difference comes from the fact that electric engines require far fewer
tightening operations compared to internal combustion engines. However, the
assembly of electric components and battery packs requires new advanced tooling
solutions. When transitioning to electric drive, many manufacturers were found to
most commonly source their battery packs and electric engines from external
suppliers. This can displace Atlas Copco’s business within the segment.
Several opportunities and challenges for Atlas Copco’s business as an assembly tool
supplier were identified. Firstly, the transition to electric drive will likely generate
significant tooling needs on the manufacturers side. Electric vehicles tend to require
more advanced tools and solutions which likely will benefit Atlas Copco as a
premium tool supplier. There are however long-term challenges as a result of
electric UTVs having fewer components and fewer tightenings in the assembly
process. One long-term opportunity that could potentially offset the decline in
tightenings within final assembly, is battery pack assembly. This process does not
only require a lot of advanced tightenings, but there are also opportunities for other
joining techniques. Thus, Atlas Copco’s business biggest opportunities within the
UTV industry are likely to shift from vehicle final assembly to battery pack
assembly.}},
  author       = {{Hirdman, Carl and Hjorth, Jonatan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Transitioning to Electric UTVs: Implications for Assembly Tooling}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}