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- New competence centre for growth of progressive, high-performance battery cells and new manufacturing processes
- Ola Källenius: “Our goal is to reduce battery costs by more than 30 percent in the coming years”
- In 2024, Mercedes-Benz will make investments 14 billion euros in analysis and growth and in its crops – a major proportion can be channelled into the event of batteries and electrical drive programs
- New “Industrial Cell Lab” covers all the product and course of chain of cell growth and manufacturing, and permits the event of experience for a cost-effective manufacturing course of
- Investments within the three-digit million vary strengthen Stuttgart-Untertürkheim as a high-tech location for drive applied sciences
- Sustainable constructing idea: recycled concrete, inexperienced roof together with photovoltaics
Mercedes-Benz is considerably strengthening its growth actions in battery know-how. In a ceremony attended by the German Federal Minister of Financial Affairs Robert Habeck, Baden‑Württemberg’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann and different high-ranking company, Mercedes‑Benz opened the eCampus on the coronary heart of its headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. It’s the competence centre for the event of cells and batteries for the longer term electrical autos of the model with the star. The purpose is to develop progressive chemical compositions and optimised manufacturing processes for high-performance cells with “Mercedes-Benz DNA” and cut back battery prices by greater than 30 p.c within the coming years. The Mercedes-Benz eCampus covers all the discipline of battery and cell know-how. It ranges from the event and analysis of latest cell chemistries and industrial-scale cell manufacturing to the testing and certification of full battery models.
“The opening of the Mercedes-Benz eCampus marks an important step in our sustainable business strategy. It is our ambition to also play a leading technological role in electric mobility. The eCampus brings us closer to this goal. The work carried out here will help to reduce battery costs by more than 30 percent in the coming years. By locating the eCampus at the heart of our centre for research and development of drive systems, it signifies a clear commitment to a more sustainable future and to the long heritage of our Stuttgart-Untertürkheim location.” —Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mercedes-Benz eCampus: concentrated experience in battery applied sciences with “Mercedes-Benz DNA”
Mercedes-Benz is growing varied types of cell chemistry. Amongst different issues, the corporate is engaged on lithium-ion cells with high-energy anodes primarily based on silicon composites and progressive cobalt-free cathode chemistries, in addition to on solid-state battery know-how. The purpose is to develop the absolute best cells with
“Mercedes-Benz DNA” for top vitality density, fast-charging functionality and efficiency and to construct up experience for his or her industrialisation. Particularly, the vitality density could be elevated to as much as 900 Wh/l by way of the usage of new applied sciences reminiscent of high-silicon anodes or strong electrolytes. The one solution to scale up manufacturing successfully is thru complete information of cell chemistry and design. The information gained flows into sequence manufacturing of battery cells at associate corporations — to be used in future generations of Mercedes-Benz batteries. The significance of mastering cell chemistry for the event of future merchandise has been demonstrated by the VISION EQXX know-how programme, for instance. Due to a robust battery with pioneering cell chemistry, this car has set distance and effectivity data for electrical autos on a number of journeys.
Operations on the new competence centre for battery applied sciences within the coronary heart of the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant will begin in two phases. The roughly 10,000-square-metre manufacturing unit for the commercial manufacturing of battery cells has began operations after a building interval of round two years. State-of-the-art manufacturing amenities within the “Industrial Cell Lab” make it doable to fabricate and take a look at battery cells with totally different chemistries on an industrial scale. A number of tens of hundreds of cells could be produced right here yearly for the event of future battery generations. The manufacturing course of consists of a sequence of automated and guide steps. It covers all battery cell manufacturing steps from electrode manufacturing to cell meeting together with electrolyte filling, forming with the primary charging and discharging processes and ending.
The cell manufacturing course of has a serious affect on the standard of the battery. Mercedes-Benz has subsequently the ambition to not solely grasp the chemical composition of the cells, but in addition the commercial manufacturing course of. The brand new Industrial Cell Lab permits the corporate to realize experience within the economical manufacturing of cells with “Mercedes-Benz DNA”. It thus enhances the 2 current cell laboratories: Novel cell chemistries and superior cell designs are developed and evaluated within the “Chemistry Lab”. Within the “Flexible Cell Lab”, the brand new developments are produced and examined in automotive pouch cells.
The brand new constructing for the second stage is because of be accomplished by the top of this 12 months. Amongst different issues, this state-of-the-art take a look at and proving centre will home a battery ramp-up manufacturing unit for product and course of growth in addition to maturity assurance for large-scale industrial manufacturing. Varied features of the take a look at centre on the Nabern web site can be transferred to the eCampus in Untertürkheim for this objective. State-of-the-art take a look at benches are being constructed on an space of round 20,000 sq. metres to comprehensively take a look at and show the protection and repair lifetime of batteries.
The brand new Mercedes-Benz eCampus constructing is positioned on the positioning of the previous buildings 132/1 and 132/2 within the centre of the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant, which seems to be again on an extended and eventful historical past. The unique constructing 132/1 was constructed again in 1907 and in its early years housed the manufacturing of camshafts and crankshafts. These had been utilized in quite a few generations of Mercedes-Benz combustion engines. Through the years, numerous totally different capabilities had been added. These included instrument calibration, the central inspection space, the manufacturing inspection space for crankshafts and connecting rods and manufacturing administration for engines. As a competence centre for future drive applied sciences, the brand new eCampus performs a key position within the transformation of the plant with a heritage spanning 120 years.
120 years of Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim
With the brand new eCampus, Mercedes-Benz is consolidating the position of the biggest powertrain facility inside its world community, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this 12 months. Investments within the three-digit million-euro vary will strengthen Untertürkheim’s position as a high-tech facility for drive applied sciences — a transparent dedication to the workforce and to Baden-Württemberg as a centre of automotive competence.
Based in 1904, the Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant spans a number of sub-sites within the Neckar valley and set the course for e-mobility a while in the past. The plant already produces versatile drive programs for each totally electrical and electrified autos. Untertürkheim is accountable for the manufacturing of drive parts. The forge can also be positioned there. Moreover, the Untertürkheim web site is residence to a big a part of the Group’s drivetrain analysis and growth, with a take a look at monitor for car testing in addition to the brand new Mercedes-Benz eCampus. The central van division and its analysis and growth can also be positioned right here. And Untertürkheim is residence to the Mercedes-Benz Group AG headquarters. In complete, greater than 23,000 staff work there, together with sub-sites — round 14,100 of them in manufacturing. From 2024, the ramp-up of manufacturing of electrical drive models for totally electrical Mercedes-Benz autos will start at Untertürkheim.
Extremely environment friendly engines are produced in Unhealthy Cannstatt. Axle manufacturing for all drivetrains and the foundry are each positioned in Mettingen. Elements for electrical drive models can be manufactured and assembled into electrical axles right here from 2024. Transmission manufacturing is on the Hedelfingen plant. Battery programs for the all-electric EQS and EQE fashions have additionally been produced right here since 2021. This 12 months may also see the beginning of manufacturing of components for electrical drive models. Versatile manufacturing is positioned in Sirnau and coaching relies in Brühl. Since 2022, the Brühl plant has been residence to a battery manufacturing unit producing programs for Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid fashions. The ramp-up of manufacturing for batteries for all-electric fashions begins right here in 2024.
Closing the battery loop
The opening of the eCampus marks an vital step in Mercedes-Benz’s sustainable enterprise technique. By 2039, the corporate goals for its fleet of latest autos to be internet carbon impartial over their whole lifecycle. Along with decarbonisation, probably the most vital levers for that is the institution of a really round financial system with the intention to preserve major sources. Mercedes-Benz is pursuing a holistic method to batteries, focussing on three core points: round design, worth retention and shutting the loop.
The eCampus actions type the start line of Mercedes-Benz’s round idea. With the “Design for Circularity” method, the corporate considers all the worth chain of battery know-how from the very starting. From growth of latest cell chemistries to the testing of battery cells and manufacturing in small portions for the event, the corporate designs battery cells with “Mercedes-Benz DNA”. The findings movement into the sequence manufacturing of battery cells at associate corporations (see press launch: Becoming a member of forces for a CO₂ impartial Mercedes-Benz provide chain).
Manufacturing of batteries for electrical Mercedes-Benz autos is internet carbon impartial1 at battery factories on three continents — together with on the two Untertürkheim crops in Brühl and Hedelfingen. Native battery manufacturing is a key success issue for the Mercedes-Benz sustainable enterprise technique.
The corporate affords reconditioned batteries as spare components for all electrical autos in keeping with the idea of a round financial system and to preserve sources. As well as, the subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Vitality has established a profitable enterprise mannequin for large-scale stationary storage functions. Batteries that may now not be used within the car could be reused in second-life storage programs. Materials recycling comes on the finish of a battery’s life and is the important thing to closing the supplies loop. An vital step on this path is the opening of a battery recycling manufacturing unit this 12 months in Kuppenheim in southern Germany.
eCampus with sustainable constructing idea
The constructing idea for the brand new eCampus in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, which covers greater than 30,000 sq. metres, additionally meets Mercedes-Benz’s sustainability standards. Its foundations include recycled concrete created from demolition supplies. Greater than 75 p.c of the usable roof space of the state-of-the-art take a look at and proving centre is provided with photovoltaic programs and provide the amenities with renewable vitality. All the roof space can also be being greened. Reversible warmth pumps and chilly accumulators allow a sustainable warmth provide and air con for the corridor. Hybrid cooling towers improve the effectivity of the water provide.
Mercedes-Benz’s personal manufacturing websites have been internet carbon impartial[1] since 2022. By 2030, the plan is to cowl greater than 70 p.c of manufacturing vitality necessities with renewable vitality. This can be achieved by way of the growth of photo voltaic and wind vitality on the websites and the conclusion of additional corresponding energy buy agreements. The aim for all Mercedes-Benz manufacturing crops worldwide is to function with one hundred pc renewable vitality by 2039.
Statements from the opening of the Mercedes-Benz eCampus
“High-performance batteries comprise the heart of the electrification of transport — and are the key to the successful transformation of the automotive industry. The demand for innovative and sustainable batteries will continue to rise sharply in Europe in the coming years. It is therefore of central importance that Germany and Europe build up their own capacities and, in particular, their own expertise in this key technology. This not only strengthens the industrial location and creates modern, future-proof jobs, but also increases Europe’s resilience. I am delighted that with the new eCampus, Mercedes-Benz will be focusing its research and development activities for batteries at the Untertürkheim site in future. Thereby making an important contribution to the further development of battery technology and the establishment of a strong battery ecosystem in Germany.”
Robert Habeck, German Federal Minister for Financial Affairs and Local weather Motion
“At the new eCampus, we can pool and expand our comprehensive research and development expertise across the entire electric drive system even more effectively. This offers us new opportunities for sustainable innovations in cell chemistry. In Untertürkheim, we cover the entire development process, from cell chemistry to certification. High-voltage batteries are at the heart of electric mobility and their cells are the key to efficiency, energy density and resource conservation. Our aim is to develop the perfect cell design with ‘Mercedes-Benz DNA’ here in Untertürkheim and to incorporate it into our suppliers’ future battery cell generations.” —Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Know-how Officer
“From now on, the heart of the electric car — the battery cell — will also be manufactured in this impressive location at the centre of the heritage Mercedes plant in Untertürkheim. Highly specialised battery storage technology is a promising business model for our country. Those who master it will secure prosperity and jobs — and become less dependent on imports. The state government of Baden-Württemberg has also done a lot to achieve this. As just part of our strategic dialogue on the automotive industry, we have invested 400 million euros in future projects. Altogether, we have invested around one billion euros in the structural transformation of the automotive industry over the past 15 years. The new eCampus is yet another beacon for high-tech battery technology that’s ‘Made in Baden-Württemberg’.” —Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg
“For me, the Mercedes-Benz main plant in Untertürkheim is associated with the Swabian spirit of innovation, tinkering and invention. It is fantastic that Mercedes-Benz is setting the right course at this place of inspiration with the new eCampus. The Mercedes star shall continue to shine out into the world from Stuttgart in the future.” —Frank Nopper, Mayor of the Metropolis of Stuttgart
“The transformation towards electromobility is changing job roles and duties. That is especially true at our heritage production site for drive systems in Untertürkheim. To successfully shape this change, it will require flexibility first and foremost. Both from us as a company and from our employees. We are supporting our teams through this transformation by offering a wide range of development opportunities with a variety of training programmes and customised coursework. I would like to thank all our colleagues for their willingness to embrace change — and for their great motivation for working together towards a successful future.” —Sabine Kohleisen, Member of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Human Sources & Labour Director
“Stuttgart-Untertürkheim has been the centre of highly efficient Mercedes-Benz drive technologies for 120 years. The new eCampus and the new electric products for our plant ensure that this will continue to be the case in the future. Concentrating all aspects of battery technology and production in one place is also an important step in the transformation of the company and the site. With an innovative building concept and the extensive use of renewable energies, we are also consistently realising our sustainability aspirations in Untertürkheim.” —Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, accountable for Manufacturing, High quality & Provide Chain Administration
“The Untertürkheim drive systems play a key role in the implementation of Mercedes-Benz’s sustainable business strategy. In addition to the development and production of highly efficient drive units, we now also cover the entire field of battery technology here. From cell development to battery production. We can be really proud of this. Together with our dedicated and highly flexible teams in Untertürkheim, we are continuing to write the 120-year success story of our main plant.” —Thomas Schulz, Chairman Mercedes-Benz Drive Methods, Head of Manufacturing Powertrain Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
“In order to offer our colleagues in Untertürkheim long-term security and prospects, we must bring the entire spectrum of electric mobility to our site. This is the commitment of the Works Council. The opening of the new eCampus is an important milestone on this path. It gives Untertürkheim a key role in the transformation of our company.” —Michael Häberle, Chairman of the Works Council on the Mercedes-Benz web site in Untertürkheim and Deputy Chairman of the Normal Works Council of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
[1] All manufacturing crops operated by the Mercedes-Benz Group have been net-carbon impartial when it comes to Scope 1 and Scope 2 since 2022. This implies that since 2022, all CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) from these crops which have to this point been unavoidable have been compensated by carbon offsets from certified local weather safety tasks. Additional info could be discovered within the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Report https://group.mercedes-benz.com/accountability/sustainability/sustainability-report.html
Supply: Mercedes-Benz
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