Germany faces potential repercussions due to insufficient battery supply, as per a warning issued by an industry expert.
Heiner Heimes, the head of the "Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components" institute at RWTH Aachen, has raised concerns about the lack of significant political support for battery cell production projects in Europe.
In a recent statement, Heimes suggested a goal of reducing battery cell import quota to 80-90% and producing 10-20% domestically by 2030. He believes that this could help reduce the industry's reliance on imports and is crucial for the continued existence of the German and European automotive industry.
Heimes emphasised the need for European independence from Asia in battery cell production. He argued that without its own cell production, car manufacturers and large parts of the supply industry would be under massive pressure. Heimes also highlighted that the battery cell is cost-determining and crucial for central properties such as range, weight, and capacity of electric vehicles.
Heimes's statements come at a time when political support for battery cell production projects in Germany and Europe has been insufficient. Challenges such as technology failures, high investment risks, lack of infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles have complicated the critical development phase. Despite ambitious EU initiatives like the Net Zero Industry Act and Critical Raw Materials Act aiming to boost local production and recycling by 2030, practical execution struggles and competitive international pressures have limited immediate stronger backing.
Heimes is urging for a clear political commitment to promote the battery industry, with maximum backing and no constant questioning of the support's validity. He believes that half-hearted efforts will not be sufficient for success in domestic battery cell production.
The loss of battery cell production would have far-reaching effects on the entire industry, including plant construction, recycling, production of inactive battery materials, and testing centres. The Northvolt project, for instance, has failed, potentially resulting in a loss of 600 million euros in state subsidies.
Heimes's call for action is a clear indication that the future of the European automotive industry is closely tied to the success of domestic battery cell production. If Germany does not achieve the goal of producing a significant portion of battery cells domestically by 2030, Heimes suggests the possibility of potential closure of the industry.
In conclusion, Heiner Heimes's statements underscore the urgent need for bold action and commitment from European politics in the battery industry to ensure the continued success and independence of the German and European automotive industry.
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