THE STAFF MAGAZINE OF THE ELRINGKLINGER GROUP NO. 1 ...

Alternative drive technologies
present new market opportunities
What is going to be driving our cars in the
future? A hydrogen tank with fuel cells?
Electricity from the mains supply with a re-
chargeable battery? Looking ahead,
although the combustion engine is likely to
dominate for the next 15 to 20 years, albeit
with continuous improvements, engine and
drive technology is undergoing a fundamental
shift. The future has already begun, and at
ElringKlinger we are moving with the times.
34 TECHNOLOGY
As it opens up new areas of business, the
ElringKlinger Group draws on its experience
and expertise in the field of metal
and plastics processing – a strategy that pays off.
We have already developed the first components
for lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, and we
are in a good position to continue expanding in
those fields.
At this early stage, it is hybrid cars that have
taken a narrow lead. They combine a conventional
engine with an electric drive. As well as saving
fuel, this makes it possible to recycle energy, e.g.
when braking.
New cell contact systems for lithium-ion
batteries
Development work on special bipolar plates
and separators for blocks of lead-acid batteries began
as early as 2008. They are used in micro- and
mild-hybrid vehicles. This ‘soft version’ of the
hybrid does not have an electric drive but does recycle
the energy generated when braking to power
the vehicle’s electrical systems.
In 2009 we started developing components
for lithium-ion batteries. Since then, we have taken
cell contact systems to series production level.