Everyone’s talking about electric cars – Fraunhofer researchers have already set to work. More than 30 Fraunhofer institutes are involved in developing alternative transportation systems in a joint project entitled “Fraunhofer System Research for Electromobility (FSEM)”. The aim is to develop prototypes for hybrid and electric vehicles to support the German automotive industry as it makes its first inroads into electromobility. The German federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) is funding this project to the tune of 44 million euros from the federal economic stimulus programs I and II.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Buller, Senior Vice President Research Planning, has overall responsibility for the project, while its principal coordinator is Prof. Dr. Holger Hanselka, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF. Prof. Hanselka explains: “The aim of Fraunhofer’s electromobility systems research project is to generate knowledge and technology along the entire value-added chain.”

Key areas of Fraunhofer System Research for Electromobility

The project is divided into four main areas of focus:

• vehicle design
• energy generation, distribution and conversion
• energy storage technology
• technical system integration

The project not only focuses on electric cars, but is also looking at other electric vehicles, e.g. for public transport or inner-city goods transport.

Fraunhofer System Research for Electromobility (www.elektromobilitaet.fraunhofer.de)