Mercedes-Benz has taken a significant step in advancing its development activities in battery technology with the opening of the eCampus at its headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The ceremony was attended by high-profile guests including the German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Baden‑Württemberg’s Minister-President.
The eCampus is set to be the hub for the development of cells and batteries for the brand’s future electric vehicles. The goal is to create innovative chemical compositions and improved production processes for high-performance cells that embody the “Mercedes-Benz DNA.” This initiative aims to reduce battery costs by over 30% in the coming years.
The scope of the Mercedes-Benz eCampus covers the entire spectrum of battery and cell technology, from developing new cell chemistries and industrial-scale cell production to testing and certifying complete battery units. The company is actively working on various forms of cell chemistry, including lithium-ion cells with high-energy anodes based on silicon composites, cobalt-free cathode chemistries, and solid-state battery technology.
By leveraging new technologies like high-silicon anodes and solid electrolytes, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase energy density to up to 900 Wh/l. This knowledge is crucial for scaling up production effectively and will be shared with partner companies for the production of future Mercedes-Benz batteries.
The new 10,000-square-meter factory at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant, which is part of the eCampus, has commenced operations after a two-year construction period. This facility houses state-of-the-art production equipment in the “Industrial Cell Lab” for manufacturing and testing battery cells on an industrial scale. The production process involves a series of automated and manual steps, covering everything from electrode production to cell assembly.
The completion of the second stage of the eCampus is expected by the end of the year, featuring a test and proving center with a battery ramp-up factory for product and process development. This center will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and service life of batteries through comprehensive testing on advanced test benches.
The eCampus project is located on the site of the former buildings 132/1 and 132/2 at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant, which has a rich history dating back to 1907. The plant has evolved over the years to become a competence center for future drive technologies, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The eCampus is a testament to the brand’s dedication to staying at the forefront of electric vehicle technology.