The electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to reshape industrial automation and control systems. This week’s highlights—from ABB’s mining electrification to Hyundai’s workforce development—demonstrate how automation, sustainability, and digital transformation are converging across industries.
ABB Powers Lithium Mining with Advanced Electrification Infrastructure
ABB has partnered with Lithium Americas to electrify the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada. This site holds the largest known lithium resource in North America, making it a strategic asset for the EV supply chain.
ABB will deploy a full suite of electrification systems, including medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, and control systems like PLCs and DCS platforms. These technologies will support the mine’s goal of producing 40,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate annually—enough for 800,000 EV batteries.
From an industrial automation perspective, this project exemplifies how automation vendors are enabling sustainability in traditionally high-emission sectors. Mining, often labeled a “hard-to-abate” industry, now serves as a proving ground for scalable electrification solutions. If successful, Thacker Pass could become a model for future automation-driven mining operations.
Hyundai CEO Charts a Course for Electrified Mobility by 2030
At Hyundai’s 2025 Leaders Talk, CEO José Muñoz outlined a bold vision for electric mobility through 2030. He emphasized agility, transparency, and global collaboration as key pillars of Hyundai’s transformation.
Hyundai’s strategy integrates factory automation and smart manufacturing to scale EV production. By leveraging digital twins, predictive maintenance, and integrated control systems, the company aims to streamline its global EV operations.
This leadership direction signals a broader shift: automakers are evolving into tech-driven manufacturers, where industrial automation is central to competitiveness and sustainability.
Can EV Adoption Still Support the 1.5°C Climate Target?
A recent study by Climate Analytics suggests that widespread EV adoption could still help meet the 1.5°C climate goal. This contrasts with more pessimistic projections from UNEP and other climate models.
For automation professionals, this underscores the urgency of deploying energy-efficient control systems and smart grid integration. As EVs scale, so must the infrastructure—charging stations, battery plants, and grid automation—all of which rely on robust industrial control systems.
Maersk and Unilever Launch Electric Logistics in Saudi Arabia
Maersk and Unilever have introduced a new electric van fleet in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals. The initiative leverages Maersk’s logistics infrastructure and Unilever’s supply chain to reduce emissions in freight transport.
This move reflects a growing trend: logistics automation is going electric. Fleet electrification demands real-time tracking, energy management systems, and automated charging—all areas where industrial automation plays a critical role.
Hyundai Opens EV Workforce Training Hub in Georgia
Hyundai has inaugurated an 89,000-square-foot training center in Ellabell, Georgia, adjacent to its Metaplant America facility. The Hyundai Mobility Training Centre will prepare workers for roles in EV manufacturing, focusing on robotics, control systems, and digital production technologies.
This investment highlights a key challenge: the automation talent gap. As EV production scales, demand for skilled technicians in PLC programming, DCS operation, and factory automation will surge. Hyundai’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for workforce development in the automation era.
Application Scenario: Electrification in Mining with ABB
In the Thacker Pass project, ABB’s electrification package integrates with SCADA systems to monitor energy usage, optimize load distribution, and ensure operational safety. This real-world application demonstrates how industrial automation enables sustainable resource extraction, offering a replicable model for other mining operations.