Engineering news
Siemens has significantly expanded its electric powertrain plant as the take-up of electric vehicles and hybrid cars accelerates throughout Europe.
The German conglomerate has more than doubled its 1,200sq m site at Erlagen, Germany, which produces converters for electric car powertrains and has built new offices to house the headquarters of its “eCar Powertrain Systems” business.
During the opening of the plant, Jorg Grotendurst, chief executive of the eCar Powertrain Systems business, said: “In combination with our motor production at Bad Neustadt, we are now in a position to equip tens of thousands of vehicles per year with out electric powertrains. We are committed to sending a clear signal in the market for electromobility.”
The opening of the plant represents the start of series production of powertrains for hybrid vehicles by Siemens. The firm has a partnership with Swedish carmaker Volvo to develop electric power trains.
The expanded converter plant, which the company said had cost “tens of millions of euros” and employs 400 people, now has testing and development areas next to the production lines. This includes a laboratory for electromagnetic compatibility that will enable its engineers to incorporate electromagnetic elements into mechanical aspects of designs.
Meanwhile, the take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) is booming throughout Europe. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, EV registrations have more than doubled in the past year, rising from 11,304 units in the first quarter of 2014 to 24,630 units in the first quarter of 2015 (a rise of +117.9%).
Demand for new hybrid cars also increased more than 20% compared to last year, totalling 56,704 units in the first three months of the year.
Last year saw the launch of the BMW i3 and i8, and all-electric versions of the Renault Zoe and Kangoo van. Already available on the market is the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-Miev.
In total, there were 144,421 alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) registrations in the EU during the first quarter, 29% more than the same quarter last year. The largest increase was in the UK, which saw a 64% increase in AFV registrations.