Accelerating Battery Cell Development

Interest in electric mobility is continuously increasing, largely due to the growing awareness of sustainability, established CO₂ reduction targets, and the ongoing electrification in the transportation sector. Due to increasing demand, particularly from the electric vehicle sector, lithium-ion batteries are in high demand. Additionally, alternative cell chemistries like sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction due to improved raw material availability and potential cost benefits.

In the forecast for 2030, global demand for batteries is projected to hit 4,917 GWh, while the total announced capacity stands at a substantial 10,959 GWh. However, caution is warranted as many expansions are yet to be solidified beyond verbal announcements. Europe, in particular, is witnessing a surge in gigafactory planning and construction. Efficiency emerges as a critical success factor, with challenges in product and process risks often causing delays in production start dates. Amidst these challenges lie numerous opportunities to expedite the time to market for battery cells.

“Consistent digitalization can significantly accelerate development processes and is therefore a crucial factor for the competitiveness of cell manufacturers.”

Marcus Fiege, Head of Center of Excellence Battery, Capgemini Engineering Deutschland

In this study, leading academia and industry experts explore battery cell engineering challenges and potentials, proposing an improved development approach to streamline time-to-market. They outline the importance of a digital end-to-end toolchain to bolster cell development. The publication is a collaborative work of Capgemini and the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen within the “Technology Cluster Battery Cell”.

As a cooperation of Capgemini, the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen, PEM Motion GmbH and the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB), the “Technology Cluster Battery Cell” aims at fostering innovation by uniting research institutions and industrial players, creating novel methods and toolchains to expedite the battery cell development process from conception to scaled production.

“Processes for developing and producing new battery cells are currently too slow and prices are too high.”

Prof. Achim Kampker, PEM, RWTH Aachen University

As batteries are and will remain an essential success factor for electromobility and climate protection through sustainable energy supply, there is a high demand for optimization and enhancement of efficiency in the development of battery cells.

Discover why standardized procedures, early integration of product and process, advanced simulation, and clear data transparency are essential for competitive development and production of battery cells and thus for a competitive and sustainable future of energy supplies in electromobility.

Gain insights from leading experts how to enhance development efficiency and accelerate time-to-market.

Download Studie

About the authors

Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University was founded in 2014 by Professor Achim Kampker and has been active in the field of lithium-ion battery production technology for many years. PEM covers all aspects of the development, production, and re-cycling of battery cells and systems. Due to numerous industrial projects with companies of all stages of the value chain and central positions in renowned research projects, PEM offers extensive expertise.

Capgemini

Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion. Get the future you want.