Press releases

Producing batteries for electric cars requires a complex and globally networked supply chain. In a recent study, researchers from Fraunhofer FFB and the University of Münster analyzed the ownership structures and geopolitical dependencies along this supply chain. The result: China controls almost the entire value chain of lithium-ion batteries - from the extraction of raw materials to the production of the batteries. The People's Republic not only controls domestic production facilities but also those abroad - for all raw materials and downstream processes. No other region globally has comparable control along the entire battery supply chain.

In the ‘SkaleD’ project, five research partners from industry and research are further developing a process that directly coats electrodes in industrial battery cell production. This will reduce the costs and resources used in the mass production of lithium iron phosphate cells, replace solvent-intensive processes, and create the conditions for a sustainable energy transition as well as for European competitiveness in relation to Asian markets.

The project "Sodium-Ion-Battery Deutschland-Forschung - SIB:DE FORSCHUNG", funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims to evaluate the suitability of sodium-ion battery technology (SIB) for the European energy and mobility transition to speed up industrial implementation. To this end, 21 national partners from science and industry are pooling their expertise from battery material development to the production of large-format cells to enable the fast transfer of research results into practical applications.

For the operation of the first research factory, the “FFB PreFab”, the Fraunhofer FFB has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the "Stadtwerke Münster". Starting November 1, 2025, the municipal utility company will supply 6.36 gigawatt hours of regional green electricity annually via a direct connection to the Fraunhofer FFB. The electricity will come from the first agri-photovoltaic system in Münster, which is being built southwest of the Amelsbüren district in Hartmannsbrock Street.

As the year draws to a close, we look back on a period full of dynamism, innovation and growth. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the progress we have made together. On behalf of the entire Fraunhofer FFB, we wish you a happy and relaxing festive season and a happy new year!

Up to 200 players from research and industry are expected to attend the 2024 “Week of Electric Mobility” from October 21st to 25th and the 12th edition of the “Electric Vehicle Production Days” (EPT) on October 23rd and 24th in Aachen to discuss challenges and trends in the field of batteries, fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, as well as electric motors. At the event, organized by the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB), the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University and the Campus Forum, around 80 companies will present innovations in eight themed sessions and at an accompanying exhibition.

The ramp-up phase of a gigafactory for the production of battery cells, modules and packs for electromobility and other applications is crucial to its subsequent success. In the jointly published white paper “Mastering Ramp-up of Battery Production”, Fraunhofer FFB and the Chair of “Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components« (PEM) at the RWTH Aachen University provide information on strategies and resources for an efficient and successful ramp-up of a gigafactory.

The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB (Fraunhofer FFB) and the engineering service provider PEM Motion GmbH have signed a Letter of Intent confirming their plans to advance technological developments in battery cell production through joint research and development activities.

Whether in drones, laptops or electric cars, battery cells can be found in numerous devices that make our everyday lives easier and more efficient. At this year's "A-level ... and now?" information day on Wednesday, May 22nd, organized by the Chemistry Student Group at the University of Münster, students were given an insight into the world of research. The focus was not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on an experiment that illustrated how a battery works.

Today in Münster, a significant step was taken in the research and production of sustainable, resource-efficient battery cells with the inauguration of the first phase of the Fraunhofer Research Fabrication Battery Cell FFB, known as "FFB PreFab". Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft President Prof. Holger Hanselka opened the facility, which spans approximately 6,800 square meters of research space. With this launch, Fraunhofer FFB begins research activities at the site, utilizing cutting-edge European machinery technology.