Next generation powertrain

The market for electric cars is burgeoning – not only in Europe but world-wide. Any rise in the number of electric cars is reflected in increased demand for batteries and for the cells contained therein: Reliable estimates suggest that demand will increase tenfold by the year 2030.

Vehicle complexity decreases sharply whenever the combustion engine is replaced by an electric powertrain. Whereas a car fitted with a combustion engine consists of some 1400 moving parts, those with an electric powertrain have only approximately 210. An eight-cylinder engine is made up of around 1200 parts, each of which requires fitting; in contrast, an electric engine has only 17.

Consequently, there have been considerable changes in the range of system parts and components needed. New suppliers and smaller vehicle manufacturers suddenly find themselves in an environment in which they can compete with large, established OEMs due to the reduction in vehicle complexity.

That is why the engineers at the Fraunhofer IPT are currently focusing different production technologies suitable for manufacturing a wide range of components and parts for electric powertrains – from models containing classical lithium-ion batteries through supercapacitors and flywheel energy storage units to fuel cells. Why are we doing this? We intend to work with our partners to retain and reinforce the long-term future of Germany as an automotive manufacturing base.

Our competencies along the electric powertrain

 

Energy storage

Equipped with the latest machine and part measuring technologies, we use our expertise in roll-to-roll manufacturing methods and in thermoplastic tape winding to develop and optimize manufacturing processes for energy storage units.

 

Fuel cells

If fuel cell drives are to compete on the market, it is imperative that costs are lowered and safety guaranteed. We have joined forces with e.Go Mobile AG to automate production, thereby creating a holistic concept for large scale manufacture of fuel cells.

 

E-Motor

Rising demand for more environmentally friendly mobility has resulted in the need to be able to produce large quantities of E-Motor components efficiently. This development will change the automotive sector and its suppliers. We can support you as you move into the E-Mobility market.   

 

Gear box

The demands on the gear technology of electric cars differ from those of conventional transmission systems. Our partner, the WZL, is therefore studying the entire process chain in order to develop a future-oriented view of the gear-wheel in electric gearboxes.

Bipolar Plate Production for Fuel Cells

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