What’s Happening
Volkswagen Group of America’s (VWGoA) Knoxville Innovation Hub is leading the way in research breakthroughs, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) range enhancement and sustainable vehicle material recycling. They are pushing boundaries in the fields of applied materials science, including automotive lightweight composites, recyclable interior materials, and wireless EV charging.
Why It Matters
This cutting-edge research is an integral part of Volkswagen’s strategy to pioneer electric mobility and sustainable transportation innovation in America. The brand is leveraging a unique blend of academic research and industry-leading capabilities to create transformative automotive technologies. Pablo Di Si, President and CEO at VWGoA, emphasizes the company’s commitment to sourcing and fostering talent within the U.S to support this growth strategy.
Key Points
The Knoxville Innovation Hub, established in 2020, serves as a think tank, working closely with the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oakridge National Lab (ORNL) to drive applied materials research. Some of their key projects include:
- Development of AI-optimized material structures that increase electric vehicle range by reducing vehicle weight. Using a deep learning algorithm, the team has developed lightweight, yet ultra-robust frames for EV battery packs that are up to 60% lighter than conventional ones.
- Creation of recyclable paper-based composites for vehicle interiors as a sustainable alternative to plastic parts. These innovative composites offer designers flexibility with different textures and colors while maintaining durability.
- Research into new fiber composites for lightweight vehicle parts. Initial applications of this technology have achieved weight savings of over 35% and are being incorporated into models such as the Bentley Continental and Lamborghini Aventador.
- Patenting of a unique coil and charging pad design for high-power wireless EV charging concepts, aiming to make the charging process as seamless as parking in a garage. Early trials have demonstrated high efficiency, with charging power levels potentially reaching 300 kW in the future.
Bottom Line
The Volkswagen Innovation Hub’s pioneering research is transforming the EV landscape by improving performance and championing sustainability. With its focus on creating lightweight, recyclable materials and enhancing EV charging processes, the hub is solidifying Volkswagen’s commitment to leading the charge in sustainable transportation innovation, benefitting both the environment and the consumer.
