Schaeffler has recognized the enormous potential of hydrogen technology as an energy source of the future and has developed key components for fuel cells and fuel cell stacks, so-called metallic bipolar plates. The company utilizes its traditional core competencies in materials, forming and surface technology. It also benefits from its broad positioning in the industrial and automotive sectors and is thus involved in everything from energy generation to use in vehicles. "We want to design_CO2-neutral, sustainable and individual mobility with a view to the entire energy chain," says Uwe Wagner, Chief Research and Development Officer at Schaeffler. "The global_{CO2 emissions problem} cannot be solved with purely battery-electric vehicles alone. Heavy goods vehicles in particular will require alternative energy storage systems, and hydrogen in combination with fuel cells offers excellent opportunities here. Hybrid storage systems, i.e. the combination of battery plus hydrogen, are also an interesting solution for longer ranges in passenger cars."

Fuel cell as the key to sustainable mobility

Schaeffler has been focusing on the value chain of key components for fuel cells for some time now, utilizing traditional core competencies. Bipolar plates are produced through precise forming and coating in the thin-film area, which form the core of a fuel cell system when layered into so-called stacks. The fuel cell stacks are energy converters that allow H₂ and O₂ to react to form water. This produces electricity that can be used to drive the electric motor in the vehicle. Other competencies, such as electronic control units, special air foil bearings, smart thermal management modules or components for passive hydrogen recirculation, expand the Schaeffler portfolio for optimized fuel cell systems.

Schaeffler at the Tokyo Motor Show

Under the motto "Making Mobility Sustainable and Autonomous", Schaeffler is presenting these holistic approaches to future sustainable energy chains and_CO2-neutral mobility solutions, including its fuel cell expertise, to the public at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show. In addition, the new Schaeffler electric motors in various performance classes, which are now going into mass production, and solutions for intelligent rear axle steering will be exhibited at the stand. The spectrum is rounded off by the Schaeffler Intelligent Corner Module equipped with a 90-degree steering angle, drive-by-wire as a key technology for autonomous driving and the Schaeffler Mover as a mobility concept for urban areas.