IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club, E-Mobility Study and more

We are excited to launch the IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group, live on LinkedIn. Starting July 23rd, our host Sarah Harman will welcome distinguished guests from the fields of mobility, sustainability, and technology to discuss future-focused topics. Our inaugural guest, Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, will kick off the event with an inspiring talk. Following her presentation, you'll have the opportunity to ask Ms. Müller your questions directly! You can send your questions in advance by email to [email protected] or ask them live by commenting during the Visionary Club LinkedIn Live session.

A recent analysis by the online vehicle marketplace mobile.de on the distribution of electric cars in German major cities shows Frankfurt as the leader in the number of registered electric vehicles, boasting the highest density of EVs. Conversely, Berlin is noted for offering the lowest prices on electric cars. The capital provides attractive deals and incentives that make purchasing and operating electric vehicles easier, making Berlin particularly appealing for environmentally conscious consumers looking to switch to e-mobility in a cost-effective way.

These trends highlight how e-mobility is developing differently across regions in Germany. While Frankfurt is distinguished by a high density of electric vehicles, Berlin focuses on affordable pricing to promote the spread of EVs.

Ford has reimagined the iconic Capri as an electric crossover. This model presents itself as a sportily designed SUV coupe, modernizing the classic sports coupe's design for today’s era. The Capri was first spotted on the assembly lines at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center when Ford kicked off mass production of the Explorer in early June. The Capri shares its technology with the Explorer, including batteries and powertrains provided by Volkswagen.

The Capri’s extended-range battery uses Lithium-Ion NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) technology and has a net energy content of 77 kWh, enabling a WLTP range of 390 miles. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) version is powered by a 210 kW motor and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed limited to 112 mph. Charging capacity is 11 kW at AC charging points and up to 135 kW at DC charging points, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in about 28 minutes.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version utilizes a 79-kWh battery and can be charged up to 185 kW, reaching from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes. It offers a range of 368 miles and has a system power of 250 kW. The AWD accelerates to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds. Both models differ in towing capacity: the RWD can tow up to 2,200 pounds, while the AWD can tow up to 2,645 pounds.

Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated a state-of-the-art battery production research facility in Stuttgart, named the eCampus. The opening was attended by Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, and Economic Minister Robert Habeck. The eCampus is set to advance the development and industrialization of battery cells and lay the groundwork for the automaker’s fully electric future. The facility includes the "Industrial Cell Lab," which was funded with a substantial three-digit million euro investment. It covers the entire product and process chain of cell development and manufacturing to reduce production costs and enhance cell performance. Mercedes is focusing on developing "unique" cells with high energy density and fast-charging capabilities.

At the eCampus, modern production facilities will be used to manufacture and test battery cells on an industrial scale, with a capacity stated as several tens of thousands of cells annually. Mercedes is collaborating with domestic partners to further refine processes and ensure high-quality battery cells. The eCampus is developing various cell chemistries, including lithium-ion cells with high-energy anodes and cobalt-free cathodes, as well as solid-state batteries. It complements Mercedes’ existing battery labs, the "Chemistry Lab" and the "Flexible Cell Lab," and supports the transition to a fully electric future. Mercedes also plans to expand capacities in the future and build a battery factory for product and process development.

China Datang, a state-owned Chinese power corporation, has launched the world's largest battery storage facility based on sodium-ion batteries. The first phase of the Datang Hubei pilot project boasts a capacity of 100 megawatt-hours (MWh) and a power output of 50 megawatts (MW). The batteries are supplied by the Chinese manufacturer Hina Battery. Upon full completion, the project is expected to have a capacity of 200 MWh and a power output of 100 MW, equivalent to the energy that could be stored by 4,000 electric cars each with a 50-kWh battery.

Stellantis has announced the launch of E-Routes for all its electric vehicles in Europe. E-Routes is an innovative navigation system designed specifically for electric vehicles, helping drivers find the most efficient and quickest routes, including the best charging stations along the way. The system takes into account real-time data on traffic, weather, and charging station availability, providing personalized route recommendations. Integrated seamlessly into Stellantis vehicles, E-Routes aims to reduce range anxiety and enhance the driving experience.

The V2X Suisse project, launched in 2022, tested bidirectional charging on an unprecedented scale. Seven companies participated, including the car-sharing provider Mobility, automaker Honda, and Swiss company EVTEC. Over 50 Honda e-vehicles were integrated into the power grid as part of a car-sharing fleet over eighteen months to test applications from Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G).

Project results indicate that the technology is functional and could be economically viable under the right conditions. Stakeholders stress that additional efforts from policymakers, charging station manufacturers, and network operators are necessary to implement the technology on a large scale. The technical success demonstrated that electric vehicles could supply the power demanded by the grid operator in seconds, showcasing the potential for a decentralized virtual storage system.

Despite positive technical outcomes, the economic expectations have yet to be met. However, project participants see significant potential in the technology and anticipate that future regulatory adjustments and standardizations will advance the adoption of bidirectional charging.

TU Graz has been awarded the "Battery4Life" project, focusing on enhancing the safety, longevity, and sustainability of batteries. The project is funded through the COMET program by the FFG with a total of approximately 6.5 million euros, with additional financial contributions from the states of Styria and Upper Austria. Corporate partners from the automotive and electronics industries are investing around nine million euros, bringing the total budget to nearly 19 million euros.

At TU Graz's new battery lab, efforts will be made to make batteries safer and more durable. The project builds on the "SafeLIB" COMET project and utilizes the testing capabilities of the Battery Safety Center Graz. Along with the main team from TU Graz, other institutes and international partners from academia and industry are involved, including AVL List, Infineon, Fronius, Magna Steyr, Audi, BMW, and Porsche.

NASCAR has unveiled an electric prototype named the "E-Camaro" during the Chicago Street Race weekend. Based on the Chevrolet Camaro, this prototype is equipped with a 900-volt drivetrain. The vehicle boasts an impressive 1,000 kW (1,360 horsepower). The six-phase motors, supplied by specialist STARD, convert energy from a 78-kilowatt-hour liquid-cooled battery into propulsion. The development of this electric prototype is part of NASCAR’s broader strategy to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the performance and spectacle of racing.

Spanish manufacturer Spiny has developed an innovative conversion kit that can transform nearly any traditional bicycle into an e-bike. This universal retrofit kit promises easy installation in just five minutes, providing a flexible solution for bike owners looking to electrify their ride. The Spiny drive is attached using a small bracket on the seat tube, allowing for easy attachment and removal as needed. This feature enables the system to be used on multiple bicycles by simply acquiring a bracket for each bike. An added benefit of the Spiny system is its compatibility with bikes that have fenders or racks. Unlike some other retrofit kits that press the drive wheel against the tire from above, Spiny's drive wheel is positioned between the seat post and the rear tire.