Closing The Productivity Gap In Electric Vehicle Manufacturing: Challenges And Solutions

Abstract

This study provides a systematic review of the challenges and solutions in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, addressing key areas such as technological advancements, workforce readiness, supply chain optimization, sustainability practices, and lean manufacturing principles. A total of 86 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure rigor and transparency. The findings reveal that technological innovations, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies, significantly improve production efficiency and resource optimization, though their adoption remains hindered by high implementation costs and infrastructural incompatibilities. Workforce challenges, including skill mismatches and labor shortages, were identified as critical barriers, particularly in emerging economies where education and training initiatives remain insufficient. Supply chain inefficiencies, driven by raw material dependency and geopolitical risks, continue to disrupt production, despite the potential of predictive analytics and digitalization to enhance resilience. Sustainability practices, such as circular economy strategies and energy-efficient manufacturing processes, were found to reduce environmental impacts and operational costs, though scalability remains a challenge. Finally, lean manufacturing principles emerged as effective solutions for improving productivity and reducing waste, though their success depends on organizational commitment and workforce adaptability.