Fraunhofer IISB is setting up a new research centre in Hallstadt near Bamberg, dedicated to advancing wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles (EVs). The project, named the E|Road Centre, has received €7.5 million in funding from the Bavarian state government.
The first phase of the E|Road Centre will run until November 2027, with plans to make the facility permanent if the initial phase proves successful. Once operational, the centre will focus on both stationary and dynamic contactless charging, especially suited for environments with vehicles on fixed routes, such as port facilities and logistics centres.
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State Minister Hubert Aiwanger emphasized the significance of the project: “Contactless charging of electric vehicles opens up completely new possibilities. Charging can be carried out without losing time while driving.
This makes electric vehicles more flexible, more practical and more economical.” He added, “We are supporting this pioneering project with around 7.5 million euros. We are thus providing targeted impetus for the transformation of our automotive industry and sustainably strengthening Bavaria as a centre of innovation.”
Fraunhofer IISB will collaborate with the Chair of Manufacturing Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg to leverage expertise in semiconductor technology and power electronics.
“With the opening of the technology centre, we are providing a decisive impetus for the future of electromobility and the transformation of the automotive industry,” said Professor Florian Risch, Head of Department for the E-Road Center at Fraunhofer IISB. “And the unique combination of our expertise in semiconductor technology, power electronics and production technology gives us a real technological edge.”