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f+h Intralogistics 3/2015

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f+h Intralogistics 3/2015

ELECTROMOBILITY Why

ELECTROMOBILITY Why electromobility is a success story Whether high-speed or freight trains – the electric railway system has been working smoothly and unobtrusively for decades. Electromobility in the automobile sector, on the other hand, serves as a striking contrast, because several hurdles have yet to be overcome. What can the car “learn” from trains? Trains and cars differ in three ways: First, trains are centrally controlled and travel via an exclusive network of railways. Traveling by car, the driver has the advantage of independence and freedom, on and off the road. But to save resources, traffic must also be more “cooperative”! Secondly, tracks have a constant flow of electric power from the grid, giving trains an unlimited range. Meanwhile, a car must “store” its own energy and requires new infrastructure, where there is still a lack of reliable business models. Thirdly, public transport is characterized by mutual use among many people. In comparison, cars are mostly used exclusively. En route and in parking spaces, cars take up public space. Today, the freedom of driving has resulted in traffic jams, parking problems and a deterioration of the environment and quality of life in urban areas. Clean, multimodal e-mobility will provide the most benefit in metropolitan areas where space and environment are scarce – but only under newly customised urban, traffic and environmental policy conditions. But does Hanover, as part of the Federal Government’s programme “Showcase Electromobility”, serve as a good example, or not? Flexibility After World War II, Hanover was completely reconstructed “carfriendly”. The fact that the city does not experience a serious traffic overload even during its large exhibitions today is due to anticipatory planning. The S-Bahn network opens up the surrounding countryside; the tram becomes a subway and dives under the ground inside the city centre. Both systems are linked to a growing fleet of battery-driven busses. A mobility card offers discounted use of local car sharing and taxis. A traffic management centre guides the masses entering the exhibition grounds in the early hours, even opening up four lanes onto the opposite carriageway if necessary. Then, in the afternoon the method is reversed. Inner city navigation to bypass accidents is being tested here for the first time in Germany and the expansion of public charging infrastructure is progressing tremendously. People traveling via electric transportation always find their way in Hanover. Costs Batteries are rapidly becoming cheaper. Growth in vehicle sales and stationary storage supplies lead to economies of scale. CO 2 reduction and Germany’s Energiewende energy policy are fueling the market. Today’s new PV systems pay off only, if you increase self-consumption. As a climate powerhouse, Hanover really lives by the idea. The electric car, as green energy storage and supplier of control energy in the Smart Grid, is a new focus for the local energy supplier. In addition, “TÜV Nord” operates one of the largest multi-charger solar stations with battery storage in Germany. Still, the business models are inadequate. We need software solutions, battery recycling, lightweight materials and/or advances in production technology to enhance the competitiveness of e-mobility. The new master’s degree program “Energy Systems and Electric Mobility” at Hanover University of Applied Sciences provides the professionals needed in that sector. Local vocational schools stand out thanks to their excellent training workshops providing students with an industry-focused education. Shift of values Meanwhile, the “prosumer” is on the rise. We consume and produce energy ourselves. We rent our apartment as a holiday home, share housekeepers and also increasingly cars. The “sharing economy” promises enjoyment without remorse, in Hanover as well. Car sharing providers like “Quicar” and “Stadtmobil” vie for commercial or private customers as a growing component of intermodal mobility plans. For “Generation Y” the importance of a personal car is decreasing at a time when the need for mobility is remaining constant or even increasing: Social networks, home office and delivery services offer virtual proximity without physical presence. Nice, that we can rent an electric car to get an acceleration kick these days. But, at the same time, it is a “pity”, that Hanover only invests more in “green waves” and cooperative traffic systems... With regard to electromobility, Hanover has the proper torque. The Green Wave for business start-ups, industrial locations and portfolio growth is supported by “hannoverimpuls”. Networking, technology transfer and project ideas in the ICT fields, energy, mobility and production technology, have helped, to successfully introduce the programme “Showcase Electromobility”. Here, hannoverimpuls is the competence centre, bringing the relevant actors together and thereby raising your innovative potential. www.hannoverimpuls.com Gernot Hagemann, Project Manager Energy and Mobility, hannoverimpuls GmbH 14 f+h Intralogistics 3/2015

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