Technology for the mobility of the future

Bosch – partner for electromobility
Integrated perspective: Bosch offers a complete portfolio of electrical powertrain solutions for different vehicles. It ranges from components for e-bikes and e-scooters to systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles. The automotive supplier’s systems competence is apparent not only when it comes to integrating them into vehicles, but also in its integrated consideration of the entire life cycle. Even now, for example, Bosch analyzes the entire life cycle of the lithium-ion battery, from repair and maintenance by the Bosch Car Service, to the possibility of re-use, to proper recycling.

Bosch software solutions: These are the basis for linking the energy and charging infrastructures. Bosch e-roaming makes electromobility possible across regional boundaries and different technical systems. Once this is achieved, electromobility becomes feasible for everyday use, since drivers will be able to use any charge spot regardless of provider. The new eMobility Starter Package provided by Bosch Software Innovations operates on two of the main open interface protocols for connecting with roaming platforms and charging infrastructure systems. Additionally, Bosch offers software for the vehicle-power grid infrastructure – for example, in the Hubject consortium. To create new mobility concepts, a Bosch software platform interconnects mobility providers from diverse industries.

Continuity and determination: At the moment, electromobility is still an investment in the future. Bosch spends 400 million euros each year and employs more than 1,100 associates in this area.

Outlook: By the end of 2014, Bosch will have completed 30 orders relating to powertrain electrification. It expects that large-scale series production will start in the next decade. The global forecast for 2020 is 3 million electric vehicles, 3 million plug-in hybrids, and 6 million hybrids out of an approximate total of 115 million new cars.

Invented for life: from the e-bike to the electric car
Electromobility is starting small: more than 50 bicycle manufacturers already rely on Bosch e-bike systems, which range from drive systems with electric drive units (electric motors) to power packs (lithium-ion batteries) and a combined computer/operating unit. For all-electric e-scooters, Bosch provides an electric drive system, complete with a wheel-hub motor and control electronics.

Modular system for vehicles: Bosch covers the entire electrical powertrain portfolio, encompassing lithium-ion battery systems, battery management, power electronics, electric machines of various types, and comprehensive systems integration expertise. It currently supplies complete solutions for the electrical powertrain of the Fiat 500e and for the plug-in hybrid system in the Porsche Panamera.

Battery management systems: Bosch battery management systems monitor and control the cells making up the complete system. They are essential for the safe and efficient operation of battery packs.

Power electronics: The power electronics device is indispensable for any electric powertrain. It converts the direct current stored as energy in the battery into alternating current for the electric motor. The more efficient the power electronics, the greater the range.

Lithium-ion batteries: For Bosch, progress in the development of batteries for storing electrical energy is the most important driver of the market success of electrical powertrains: “We are working to develop lithium-ion batteries that will at least double the range of the electric vehicles we now have, and this at half the cost per kilowatt-hour,” says Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.