Designing electric mobility solutions: A dynamic capability model

Advances in transportation electrification have been transforming the mobility sector. Changes in energy sources, powertrains, and the increasing role of software and services have opened opportunities for novel solutions and increased competition. Consequently, companies seek to enhance and streamline product development for electric vehicles (EVs). However, research on vehicle electrification from the perspective of innovation management remains scarce. Previous studies predominantly adopted a conceptual approach with limited empirical evidence or are restricted to single-case research, leaving a gap in comprehensive, empirically grounded analyses of EV product design process. We conducted a qualitative multiple-case study employing a dynamic capability (DC) foundation, as it is well-suited to the ongoing evolution of the mobility industry. Prior studies have applied DCs to analyze mobility electrification at the market level, while a deeper understanding of product innovation is still needed. This study aimed to fill this gap by identifying, systematizing, and discussing emerging patterns in the development of electric mobility solutions. The results include a DC model for designing electric mobility solutions, consisting of ten capabilities organized into four aggregate dimensions: external perspectives, uncertainty management, synchronization, and systems engineering. Another result is a detailed description of how companies are developing electric mobility solutions.