OREANDA-NEWS. February 06, 2014. ThyssenKrupp System Engineering designed and set up the production line for the batteries of the BMW i3. The automotive and aerospace-focused subsidiary of engineering specialist ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions also supplied the tooling for two carbon-fiber structural components for the passenger cell of BMW’s new electric car.

Bernd Becker, CEO of ThyssenKrupp System Engineering, comments: “We design and build production lines and test systems for lithium-ion batteries for use among other things in electric vehicles. In addition, finished battery cells are assembled into modules and converted into custom battery systems on assembly lines from ThyssenKrupp System Engineering. We tailor these lines to meet the precise requirements of our customers. The new BMW i3 is a very good example of this.”

ThyssenKrupp was quick to identify the huge importance of eco-friendly electric and hybrid drive systems for the automobile of the future, launching company-wide research initiatives and developing forward-looking solutions. For ThyssenKrupp System Engineering in particular, alternative drive systems and weight reduction are key areas of activity, with its product area E-Mobility making a major contribution to improved energy storage and more efficient mobility.

ThyssenKrupp has its own technical center near Chemnitz dedicated to further developing production technology for lithium-ion cells and battery systems. It covers the entire production process, including assembly, cutting, handling and battery cell formation. The aim is to further increase the performance and quality of lithium-ion batteries and reduce production costs.