AT IAA Frankfort, German automakers are out in full force, showing off their new electrification initiatives.
Michael Perschke, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina, along with Johannes-Jörg Rüger, CEO of Bosch Engineering GmbH, and Ralf Göttel, CEO of BENTELER, announced a strategic collaboration to jointly develop a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) platform.
Audi Off-Roader EV
Audi showed its concept electric off-roader for the future of road transport: the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro, a comprehensive concept for sustainable mobility off the beaten track. It features four electric motors and a quattro drive
BMW All Drivetrains
BMW announced that the BMW Group is a global company, will offer all possible drivetrains, on flexible and, also in some cases, on purpose-built architectures including
• Conventional engines with benchmark performance in emissions
• Fully-electric and plug-in hybrids
• And in the future, also fuel-cell vehicles– BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.
By 2023, BMW will have 25 electrified models in our portfolio. Half of those will be fully electric.
CTP Batteries from CATL
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a vital player in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology and manufacturing, unveiled at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) its intentions around the development of cell-to-pack (CTP) EV batteries, alongside interactive displays and technical workshops aimed at fostering greater understanding of its cutting-edge technologies. These initiatives showcase how “innovation powers life” at CATL, through advanced e-mobility and battery solutions that support the sustainable development of the EV sector.
CATL’s latest innovative product platform, introduced at IAA 2019, improves battery pack development through process efficiency, cost savings and the need for fewer required parts. Using cell-to-pack (CTP) technology, which includes more than 70 core patents, CATL is able to increase mass energy density by 10-15%, improve volume utilization efficiency by 15-20% and reduce the amount of parts for battery packs by 40%.
Hyundai Concept and Premier
Hyundai showcasing “45,” a full electric concept that envisions its forthcoming EV design direction. Hyundai Motorsport is also launching its first electric racing car, the Veloster N ETCR. Meanwhile, the automaker is also celebrating the public world premiere of the All-New i10.
Kia Supports IONITY
Hyundai Motor Company alongside Kia Motors Corporation today announced its investment into IONITY, a joint venture established by global automakers. Under the agreement Hyundai and Kia, affiliated automotive companies for Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), will play a key role in further enhancing the availability of EV charging stations with additional convenience benefits for its customers.
The decision to join this network will provide enhanced benefits for Hyundai and Kia’s European customers. Starting in 2021, Hyundai and Kia EVs will be equipped with 800 volt charging systems to accommodate IONITY’s maximum charging power of 350 kilowatts. Customers will be able to use IONITY’s HPC facilities, which are equipped with digital payment options, to significantly reduce charging times and better facilitate long-distance travel.
IONITY is a joint venture established in 2017 between BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG.
IONITY is expanding its network to 400 fast-charging stations by 2020, with an average of at least one site every 120 kilometers along major European highways. Its European distribution and brand-agnostic approach will significantly improve the image and accessibility of electric vehicles for both current EV users and prospective buyers.
Mercedes-Benz Beautiful EV Vision
Mercedes-Benz revealed the e VISION EQS electric vehicle, “Lasting Beauty That Moves” — with CO₂-neutral mobility of the future. It features a continuous 360° exterior lightbelt joining the black-panel LED matrix grille and the headlamps with the rear light clusters. There is an intelligent Connected Light, which runs around the entire interior like the 360° lightbelt on the exterior and is able to communicate by positioning information in space. The engine has a combined output of over 350 kW, the VISION EQS recharges the battery to 80% in significantly less than 20 minutes. The battery cells are made through CO₂-neutral production