The Collective Spark

By Harald Wilhelm, VP Quality, AIAG

The shift to electrification is one of the most significant transformations the automotive industry has ever faced. As we move from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains, quality expectations are not just evolving—they are intensifying.

Electrification brings new technologies, new materials, and new suppliers into the fold, all of which create complexities across the global supply chain. Traditional quality processes, designed for mechanical systems, must now adapt to high-voltage systems, advanced battery chemistries, and complex software integration. The challenge isn’t just about maintaining quality; it’s about redefining what quality means in this new era.

A Higher Bar for Quality in Electrification

With electrification, the margin for error shrinks. Battery safety, energy efficiency, and software reliability all require precision, consistency, and rigorous validation. A single defect in a high-voltage system can result in costly recalls, safety risks, and damage to consumer trust.

To meet these rising expectations, automakers and suppliers must focus on three key areas:

1. Battery and Energy System Integrity – The quality of batteries isn’t just about performance; it’s about safety and longevity. Robust testing, supplier validation, and process controls are critical to ensuring cells, modules, and packs meet the highest standards.
2. Software and Electronics Reliability – While not new or unique to EV’s, software and electronics reliability becomes even more important. Standardized testing, over-the-air (OTA) update protocols, and cybersecurity measures must be built into the development process. 
3. Supply Chain Visibility and Accountability – With new materials, rare earth metals, and global sourcing, automakers need full transparency into their supply chains. Ensuring ethical sourcing, sustainability, and consistent quality across tiers is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage.

AIAG’s Role in Defining Quality for the EV Future

For decades, AIAG has helped the industry set and uphold quality standards. Now, as electrification reshapes the industry, we’re focused on bringing OEMs, suppliers, and technology providers together to create new benchmarks for quality in the EV era.

Through our quality working groups, best practice frameworks, and collaborative industry initiatives, we help companies navigate this transformation with confidence. Whether it’s ensuring battery safety, improving software validation, or strengthening supply chain accountability, AIAG provides the tools and insights needed to stay ahead of challenges.

Quality has always been the foundation of automotive excellence. In the wake of electrification, it’s not just about meeting expectations—it’s about raising them.