Alternative Drive Concepts

Battery and hydrogen-powered electric vehicles are an important factor in the climate-friendly electromobility of the future. In particular, in combination with renewable electricity, they produce significantly less CO₂ than conventional combustion engines.

We are developing environmentally friendly and economically competitive processes for battery cell production and are researching new material concepts for high-performance and safe batteries. We also focus on the development of roll-to-roll processes for the cost-effective production of fuel cells. Here we offer innovative coating solutions for the mass production of metallic bipolar plates and use powerful laser sources for individual production steps such as cutting and joining.

Batteries for Electric Vehicles

Fraunhofer IWS, with its materials expertise and process diversity, contributes essentially to many aspects of battery manufacturing and thus offers solutions to companies today and in the future.

The "Advanced Battery Technology Center, ABTC" maps the holistic process chain for the development of new battery cells – from the development of new material concepts, to innovations in electrode production, to technologies for automated cell manufacturing:
Advanced Battery Technology Center (ABTC)

• Development and evaluation of new materials and cell concepts for high-performance battery cells
• Cost-effective manufacturing processes for battery electrodes and separators; e.g. dry film coating, laser cutting of strip material

In addition, Fraunhofer IWS offers solutions for low-cost and high-quality manufacturing of battery components using advanced materials:

• Laser structuring and electrical contacting of battery components
• Laser welding of battery housings

• Coating of bipolar plates with high-performance materials
• Laser technologies for roll-to-roll fuel cell production

Further information on hydrogen fuel cells can be found here:

Future and Innovation Field: Hydrogen Technology