Survey by Taloustutkimus Oy: Finns believe in the potential of the battery industry

These were among the conclusions of a survey commissioned by the Finnish Minerals Group and carried out by Taloustutkimus Oy that mapped the Finns’ take on the battery industry and its potential.

The survey was implemented as part of Taloustutkimus’ weekly Telebus consumer survey and as separate interviews during January 28 – February 2, 2019. The survey, carried out as phone interviews, saw a total of 1,817 respondents.

Telebus survey, which represents the entire population, had a target group of Finnish consumers aged 15–79. In addition, separate interviews with e.g. corporate and political decision-makers journalists were conducted.

Respondents of the research were presented with statements, which they evaluated on a scale of 1–5 (1=completely disagree, 5=completely agree).

The statements related to the battery industry were

• The industry related to the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries (EVB) can offer Finland and Finnish companies good new business opportunities.
• The state must focus on getting investments related to EVB manufacturing into Finland.  
• It is more responsible to produce the raw materials and components needed for electric vehicle batteries in Finland than, for example, Asia or Africa.

Up to 81% of respondents of the survey agreed somewhat or completely with the statement that it is more responsible to produce the raw materials and components needed for electric vehicle batteries in Finland than, for example, Asia or Africa.

Faith in the economic potential of the battery industry is also strong. 80% of the survey respondents agreed completely or somewhat with the EVB-related manufacturing industry being able to offer Finland and Finnish companies good new business opportunities. Up to 91% of corporate decision-makers agreed completely or somewhat with the statement.

Wishes for state funding were also reported. Over half of respondents (58.6%) agree completely or somewhat with the statement that the state should focus on getting investments related to EVB manufacturing into Finland.  

Download more detailed survey results here

The sales of electric vehicles are expected to see significant growth. The majority of electric vehicle batteries is currently manufactured in Asia.

Finland is Europe’s only significant producer of raw materials for electric vehicle batteries. The quickly evolving battery industry brings a unique opportunity for Finland to maximize the value of raw materials by forming a well-functioning and extensive electric vehicle battery value chain.

 

Matti Hietanen

CEO

Finnish Minerals Group