Electrified mobility and systems

Sustainably generated electrical energy will be the dominant energy source of the future. This energy must be handled carefully, i.e. with the highest efficiency in conversion processes. This is because electrification will affect all areas of life, from mobility to building services engineering and all areas of industry. Bosch is already developing technologies for this networked world today that, in addition to the classic disciplines, also include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The future of electromobility is highly integrated in many ways, while also reduced in complexity. For example, Bosch Research is researching an integrated e-drive train that takes account of the social environment and climate targets: Electric mobility reduces air and noise pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, and plays an important role in the sharing economy.

Mobility is something like a basic human need. But in view of the challenges of climate change and the associated targets for reducing CO2 emissions, the demands on mobility are also changing – especially in cities. In these conurbations, aspects such as environmental protection, emissions and limited space are particularly important.

Therefore, in the long term, a wide variety of vehicle concepts from scooters to driverless shuttles will promise to transport people and goods over short and long distances. This also applies to construction sites that face the challenge of reducing emissions in metropolitan areas. An electric excavator, such as the one currently being thought up and tested by Bosch Research, might offer a solution here.

The battery works like with any modern device – it stores electricity and needs to be recharged after use. Fuel cells generate electricity directly in the car by converting hydrogen into electricity – without burning it. One focus of the innovation field of chemical energy conversion therefore lies on the development of mobile fuel cells. These are mainly used in commercial vehicles but also in vehicles with high range requirements. By contrast, vehicles designed for shorter distances tend to be powered by batteries.