Webasto SE is a finalist for the 2020 ees AWARD and offers a Standard Battery System that allows especially commercial vehicle manufacturers to quickly and easily configure and purchase systems for the traction batteries of their electric vehicles, even in small quantities. Webasto systems meet the highest safety and quality standards for vehicle construction.
ees International: Thank you very much for this interview and congratulations to being a finalist for the ees AWARD! Your passion is all about mobility. How do you envision the mobility of the future? What ideas must come true in our present so that we can come closer to this dream?
Mobility is an important pillar of our economic system. That is why Webasto's vision is to ensure resource-efficient mobility at any time and any place – now and in the future. We are convinced that this makes sense mainly through electrification with renewable energy. We need solutions that also enable suppliers or manufacturers of vehicles in smaller quantities to play their part in the further development of mobility. This becomes particularly relevant when we look at the public transport sector. One of our goals is therefore to provide sustainable products and solutions that make "Affordable E-Mobility for Everyone" possible.
ees International: You were nominated for the award because of an innovative battery concept. Tell us more about it.
The Webasto Standard Battery System offers especially commercial vehicle customers a viable, high-quality plug-and-play solution for various applications with highest automotive standards and norms in focus.
It consists of standardized battery units that can be combined at will to form a complete system. This has the advantage for vehicle manufacturers that development costs are significantly reduced compared to an in-house battery development. Every customer receives an individualized battery system at an attractive price with no upfront investment,, even for small quantities. Since it is difficult to predict how quickly the market for electric vehicles will develop, manufacturers can reduce their investment risk with this solution. With an additional full-service package, we offer outsourcing of the entire battery business, so to speak. This also includes battery maintenance and leasing, as well as "flying doctors" who repair damage and handle discarded batteries.
ees International: What does the nomination for the ees AWARD mean for your company?
We are very proud and honored that our dedication and passion to develop high-quality and future-proof battery systems is recognized and appreciated by the EES Award jury. With this nomination we have the chance to present Webasto and our battery systems to an even broader audience of experts within the industry of electrical energy storage solutions and battery systems.
ees International: You are globally active. Which country markets do you already see as particularly well positioned for electric mobility and how does Webasto position itself here?
Webasto has many competencies that are decisive for the battery business: We know very precisely the requirements of the automotive industry with all its standards, we can rely on our already existing international supplier and production network, and our experience in system integration is also extremely beneficial for the battery business. Our maximum quality standards apply to our battery systems in particular – we only launch products on the market that meet all OEM requirements and in some cases have been tested far beyond the industry standards. For this purpose we have set up one of the most modern prototype and testing centers in Europe and have started production in an existing Webasto plant in Bavaria, Germany. Also, we have just opened a state-of-the-art battery center in China and prepared our market entry for the USA.
ees International: What are particular trends in e-mobility battery technology or markets that you are interested in?
From the very beginning, we have taken a very close look at the needs of the global market. In the near future there will be many automotive OEMs who will develop and produce their batteries themselves. In addition, some cell suppliers will enter the battery production. Nevertheless, a lot of business potential with varying volumes remains. We are targeting exactly these areas. So, we act as system and development partner for our existing automotive customers for whom we offer individually manufactured battery systemsand at the same time, we offer our own CV Standard Battery System to all customers.
Thank you very much for the interview, Nico Münch!
The interview partner:
Nico Münch, Director Business Development (Battery Systems)
Webasto Group