Bosch expects about 15% of all new cars built worldwide to have at least a hybrid powertrain by 2025, chairman Volkmar Denner told a conference in Germany.
Denner, who also heads research and development, said batteries would deliver twice as much energy density for half the present cost by 2020.
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Strict EU fleet CO2 targets for 2021 will lead to hybrid powertrains becoming the standard for SUVs and give diesel and petrol engines an extra boost.
“Electrification will take combustion engines to new heights,” Denner said.
With electric support, future combustion engines will consume significantly less fuel and be even cleaner. And the additional torque from the electric motor will add to driving enjoyment. Falling battery prices will make hybrids considerably more affordable.
Denner stressed electric cars must be suitable for everyday use in a masss market. In China, where Bosch sells an electric wheel hub drive for e-scooters, there are already over 120m of that type of vehicle on the roads. With top speed of 25mph, this form of transport is fast enough for traffic conditions in megacities while the range of about 30 miles (50km) is sufficient for every day use.
“The reason these two-wheelers are such a success is that they are a perfect match for Chinese commuters’ needs,” Denner said.
And because they are designed to meet these needs, many models are less expensive than two wheelers with combustion engines.
The task now is to tailor similar technology to cars.
Bosch reckons the internet should be used to make electromobility convenient by connecting vehicles.
“Electric cars are good but connected electric cars are better,” Denner said.
Recharging vehicles currently is complicated but this is expected to become much more convenient. The Bosch Group’s software and systems unit has developed an app that makes it significantly easier to reserve the charge spots of different providers and pay for the electricity. Up to now, doing this would have required a different customer card for each provider. Now all drivers need is a smartphone, the app, and a PayPal account to recharge anywhere in Germany. Bosch also complements this with a software platform that links 80% of all charge spots in Germany.
