Editorial

Excerpt

Electrification of mobility is a reality of today that is generating a rapid change in society and economy. By 2030, it is expected that one in every two new vehicles worldwide is foreseen to be electrically propelled. By 2040 it is forecast that up to 54% of car sales and 33% of the global car fleet will be electric [1]. Electric vehicles go beyond the automobile as trains, ships, drones, and many others are already making use of electric propulsion. Electrification also signifies a radical transformation of the production technology. Electric vehicles come with new vehicle models, novel components, and fewer parts. On the other hand, an increased variation of material thicknesses and types (Cu-, Al-, Mg-alloys, steels, and composite materials) will be used, generating the need for flexible and digital manufacturing tools. In a rapidly evolving industry of such, lasers will play a key role as flexible and digital tools for effective and sustainable manufacturing. …