The visit focused on high-performance battery systems for electric mobility and industrial applications. During a tour of the Gigafactory and the test centre, the students learned about the complex requirements for performance, safety and service life. Another highlight was the presentation by Dr Bjoern Eberleh, who traced the development of AKASOL from its origins as a university spin-off through its growth phase and IPO to its integration into the BorgWarner Group. He highlighted the typical challenges faced by start-ups, such as financing, scaling and internationalisation, as well as the transformation of corporate culture.
The topic of the circular economy was discussed particularly intensively: strategies for extending product life cycles, sustainable approaches for battery modules at the end of their useful life, and the importance of resource conservation for the future of electromobility.
