Bosch Paving the Way to Electromobility

Bosch systems competence as a success factor

As we move toward the all-electric car, hybrid technology in its various forms is an important transitional technology. Bosch is currently focusing on two full hybrid designs that make it possible to travel short distances using purely electrical power: the parallel full hybrid and the axle-split hybrid. Both designs support internal-combustion engines in certain driving situations by way of a boost function. This enables the downsizing of spark-ignition and diesel engines. On the basis of present technology, this means that consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by between 25 and 30 percent, without any further changes to the engine itself. In the parallel full hybrid, the electric motor is integrated into the powertrain between the internal-combustion engine and the transmission. The axle-split hybrid features an internal-combustion engine on the front axle and an electrical drive for the rear axle. The positive side-effect of this configuration is four-wheel drive.

Bosch’s systems competence is the basis for controlling the complex interplay of internal-combustion engine, electric motor, and clutch, which results in additional benefits such as coasting and boosting. Coasting means that the internal-combustion engine is stopped and the vehicle coasts along without burning fuel. All safety and comfort systems continue to be fully operational. Boosting is when the internal-combustion engine is briefly supported by the electric motor when there is a need for extra power – when overtaking, for example. Bosch has been supplying the parallel full hybrid technology for the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg since 2010, and now also for the Porsche Panamera. This year PSA will launch the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, the world’s first diesel hybrid, which features Bosch’s innovative axle-split hybrid technology. By 2013, Bosch will have started series production of core components such as electric motors, power electronics, and battery technology for 12 automakers in 20 different projects. Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are also working to set up a joint venture that will develop and manufacture electric motors. Called EM-motive GmbH, it will supply traction machines for Mercedes-Benz and smart electric vehicles from 2012. Bosch will be responsible for sales of these motors to other automakers.

Plug-in hybrid as a promising solution

The plug-in hybrid is an especially interesting approach. While its design is basically the same as the systems named above, a battery charger allows it to be recharged at any household power socket. In addition, its battery has a greater capacity. As a result, the distance the hybrid vehicle can travel all-electrically increases to some 40 kilometers per battery charge. In conurbations, this means that eco-friendly, all-electric, and locally zero-emission driving is possible for weeks on end. But at the same time, plug-in hybrids can cover long distances too with their internal-combustion engine – for instance when going on vacation.

Cost reduction as the key to success

Technically speaking, it is not a big step from the hybrid to the electric car. Cost-wise, however, there are still some major challenges to overcome. Bosch expects electric vehicles to cost around 45 percent more than comparable vehicles with internal-combustion engines in 2020. One of the most important questions in the further development and production of components for electrical drives is therefore how to reduce their system costs. Moreover, as volumes grow, prices drop, and as prices drop, acceptance grows. This is true of all projects in the field of electromobility: from e-bikes to hybrids and plug-in hybrids to the all-electric vehicle. This is why cost reduction is at the top of Bosch's to-do list.

SB LiMotive: development of the lithium-ion battery is progressing

Battery cost is a decisive factor for the success of electrical drives. SB LiMotive, the Bosch and Samsung SDI joint venture, has set itself the target of 350 euros per kilowatt-hour by 2015, and hopes to bring this down to 250 euros by 2020. Technically as well, lithium-ion cells are becoming increasingly mature. The key parameters, such as energy and power density, are being gradually improved, as are service life and cycle durability. By 2015, a 35 kWh battery made by SB LiMotive will have a range of 200 kilometers and a service life of at least 12 years, as demanded by the automotive industry. In the three years since it was founded, SB LiMotive has succeeded in gaining several major customers, and now has some 850 associates. For example, the company will supply lithium-ion cells for BMW’s i3 and 1 Series ActiveE. Fiat’s all-electric 500 EV will feature a complete SB LiMotive battery system. In addition, a U.S. consortium of Chrysler, GM, and Ford has awarded SB LiMotive a contract worth 8.4 million dollars to develop lithium-ion battery cells and systems. By 2015, SB LiMotive intends to boost annual cell production capacity in Ulsan, South Korea, to a good four gigawatt-hours – enough for some 180,000 electric vehicles. Since more and more European automakers are planning to work with SB LiMotive, a manufacturing facility is likely to be set up in Europe after 2013.

New business areas in the electromobility age

Electromobility holds out great potential for Bosch – not only for its traditional systems and components business, but also when it comes to opening up new business areas. One example is the establishment of charging infrastructure. Bosch Software Innovations GmbH is developing a software platform for charging electric vehicles as well as for reserving charge spots and billing for the energy used. Bosch Software Innovations charge spots interface both with the electricity provider’s grid and with the end user. Since June 2011, the software and charge spots have been in use in a pilot project in Singapore. Bosch Car Service repair shops and the Automotive Aftermarket division are also preparing for the coming market. Bosch supports car repair shops with diagnosis systems for hybrid vehicles and practical training. No other supplier in the field of electromobility has such a broad range of components, systems expertise, and services to offer. As electromobility only makes sense if the energy for it comes from renewable sources, Bosch has made energy conversion its task as well. The Bosch Solar Energy division is one of the major manufacturers of cells and modules for solar arrays. Its other activities in this market of the future include gearboxes for wind turbines and projects for marine power stations.