Bosch and Volkswagen join forces to make battery cell production suitable for Europe
The partnership will draw on complementary areas of expertise: while Bosch has excellent know-how in factory automation and systems integration, Volkswagen is an accomplished at scale automaker and is on its way to becoming a major battery cell manufacturer.
Bosch and Volkswagen have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at exploring «the possibility of establishing a European battery equipment solution provider», as stated in the official release. The two companies plan to supply integrated battery production systems, on-site ramp-up, and maintenance support for battery-cell and battery-systems manufacturers.
The plans for battery cell production in Europe
A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed by Rolf Najork, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH and chairman of the executive board of Bosch Rexroth, and Thomas Schmall, member of the board of management of Volkswagen Group responsible for technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. We know that the Bosch group has been working lately to promote European know-how and development when it comes to semiconductors, for instance, believing that this is a way to face the current challenging situation within the global supply chain. On the other hand, Volkswagen has recently inaugurated a modern lab for battery cell development in Germany.
European industry has the potential to become a technology driver for the ecological transformation of the economy
Rolf Najork, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH and chairman of the executive board of Bosch Rexroth
As for battery systems and battery cells, in Europe alone, several companies plan to build cell factories with a total annual capacity of around 700 gigawatt hours by 2030. The aforementioned partnership will draw on complementary areas of expertise: while Bosch has excellent know-how in factory automation and systems integration, Volkswagen is an accomplished at scale automaker and is on its way to becoming a major battery cell manufacturer.
Statements from Bosch and Volkswagen
Both partners have formed a project unit with the target to prepare the establishment of the new company until the end of 2022. «Together with Volkswagen, we seek a path to industrialize production processes for battery cells with standardized equipment. We have the best prerequisites for this: Bosch is not only the world’s biggest automotive supplier, but also one of the leading suppliers of factory equipment. We understand how battery technology works, and know how to manufacture it. With more than 135 years of automotive experience and our proven industrialization expertise, we want to serve the growing demand for batteries. European industry has the potential to become a technology driver for the ecological transformation of the economy», said Rolf Najork.
Thomas Schmall commented: «Europe has the unique chance to become a global battery powerhouse in the years to come. There is a strong and growing demand for all aspects of battery production, including the equipment of new gigafactories. Volkswagen and Bosch will explore opportunities to develop and shape this novel, multibillion-euro industry in Europe. Our decision to actively engage in the vertical integration of the battery-making value chain will tap considerable new profit pools. Setting out to establish a fully localized European supply chain for e-mobility made in Europe certainly marks a rare opportunity in business history».
