BCG's Eric Jesse: Automakers have bailed on alternative powertrains too soon

BCG's Eric Jesse: Automakers have bailed on alternative powertrains too soon

Author: Automotive News April 26, 2026 Duration: 26:31
Eric Jesse, managing director at Boston Consulting Group, joins Automotive News deputy editor and electric vehicles reporter Lindsay VanHulle on the “Shift” podcast to talk about how automakers can find “white space” to win in different powertrain segments. He also says some automakers have taken themselves out of the game too soon by abandoning alternative propulsion methods.

Shift: A podcast about mobility cuts through the hype surrounding the future of transportation. Hosted by Automotive News tech and innovation lead Pete Bigelow, each episode digs into the practical realities behind the headlines-from electric vehicles and autonomous driving to shifting ownership models and supply chain revolutions. Pete brings the authority of the industry's leading publication while maintaining a balanced, inquisitive tone, equally enthusiastic about potential and clear-eyed about pitfalls. This isn't just speculation; it's grounded analysis for professionals and curious observers who want to understand the actual forces reshaping how we move. The conversations go beyond mere announcements, examining the business strategies, technological hurdles, and societal impacts that will define the next era. As a production of Automotive News, this podcast offers direct access to the reporters and thinkers at the center of this transformation. Tune in for a nuanced exploration where optimism meets healthy skepticism, providing a essential guide to the complex world of modern mobility.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shift: A podcast about mobility
Podcast Episodes
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