Stuttgart Lapp Group developing connection technology for
electric and hybrid drives
Lapp Gets Involved in e-mobility
The Stuttgart-based Lapp Group is increasing its involvement in emobility. “Our aim is to provide international automotive manufacturers with the perfect cable technology for the new generation of vehicles with electric or hybrid drives”, explains Werner Becker, Managing Director of Lapp Systems. This involves complex connections in the vehicles themselves or in the new energy stores (the lithium-ion batteries), as well as connecting cables for charging electric vehicles.
Some applications are already operational. Automotive supplier
Continental, for example, is already using special system connections from Lapp for serial production of the hybrid store for the new Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID. These cable and connection systems are used inside the lithium-ion batteries and are already in routine use in hybrid vehicles. Cable harnesses for high-voltage cabling in hybrid vehicles have also already been supplied to the American market, but development centres of the Stuttgart-based Lapp Group are still working intensively on continuous improvement of products.
Werner Becker says: “Storing electrical energy is the key technical challenge for electric vehicles of the future. The most important factors are minimum weight for maximum capacity – these in turn are key for the range achievable by vehicles in the future.” Lapp is exchanging information on this with well-known companies which are currently developing new battery systems.
Lapp Systems are also supporting a company which is developing
“electricity pumps” for electric cars.
As far as connecting cables for charging electric vehicles are concerned, Lapp is collaborating on a standards committee of well-known automotive manufacturers. Lapp Systems has already developed initial prototype cables and is working on the certification (TS 16949) required for them.
Werner Becker says: “As system suppliers in e-mobility, we want to provide high-quality connections. E-mobility is an important issue for the future, something in which we can fully involve the competence across the whole of the Lapp Group.”