Battery Production at MAN

Where high-performance diesel engines were previously the main products, traction batteries for electric buses and trucks are now also rolling off the assembly line. By expanding this battery production, MAN is strengthening Bavaria as an industrial and innovation hub, investing in a future-oriented technology, and securing around 400 jobs in Nuremberg. This has successfully advanced the transformation of the site. Bayern Innovativ played a decisive role as a networker and funding institution.

Long-standing partnership in the mobility sector

The ties between Bayern Innovativ GmbH and MAN Truck & Bus SE are the result of an established and intensive exchange. The foundation for this was laid by the Mobility division: Together with MAN, points of connection have been continuously identified over the years, such as organizing a supplier innovation day, joining the in-vehicle electrical systems working group, or exchanging ideas on a depot charging infrastructure funding program for electric road freight transport. “Above all, MAN’s active role on the Advisory Board of the Automotive Cluster proved to be a door opener to further topics: Thus, following an initial consultation, direct access to the project manager at Bayern Innovativ was established, for example, to explore suitable funding programs for the development of innovative battery technologies for commercial vehicles,” said Holger Czuday, Head of the Automotive Cluster at Bayern Innovativ GmbH.

Support Through Funding

The Bavarian Technology Funding Program Plus (BayTP+) came into play through the Bavarian project management office of Bayern Innovativ GmbH. Dr. Urs Bernhard, division head of the project management office, explains the background of the program: “Through BayTP+, the Free State of Bavaria supports companies in the development of technologically new products and processes, as well as in the application of modern technologies in products and production. This facilitates the introduction and widespread adoption of innovative technologies in the economy and strengthens the competitiveness and further development of a sustainable economic structure in Bavaria.”
The research focus of the funded project in the production sector is on developing a laser welding process designed to enable more cost-effective and improved battery cell bonding. At the same time, the goal is to develop a method that allows for real-time monitoring of the weld seam’s quality during the process and enables immediate correction in the event of defective contact. In addition, the project plans to develop a control system that can be used to plan, simulate, and optimize interconnected production and material supply units. Scientific support for these research topics is provided by two Bavarian universities (FAU and TU Munich) as well as TU Braunschweig. Funding priorities will always be determined with consideration of a specified life cycle assessment and potential sustainability risks. The overarching goal is to maintain competitiveness and to secure or expand Bavaria’s position as a center of employment.

Cooperation with the TechHUB Battery

The Energy division at Bayern Innovativ also maintains close cooperation with the commercial vehicle manufacturer, particularly at the annual Bavarian Battery Congress. But the collaboration extends beyond that: “From hosting international delegations to actively shaping the Bavarian Battery Strategy, the joint projects in the Energy & Construction sector are diverse. It is precisely these kinds of partnerships that drive innovation in the energy and mobility sectors,” says Leonard Höcht, Head of TechHUB Batterie at Bayern Innovativ GmbH.

The combination of strategic involvement and regular dialogue makes all the difference—and is ultimately the foundation of their shared success story: “Bayern Innovativ has been a key partner for us for years in developing innovative battery technologies for our commercial vehicles. This support is crucial for rapidly advancing the necessary technological transformation and implementing CO₂-neutral solutions for the logistics industry and passenger transport. Thanks to this support, we can develop and successfully implement forward-looking concepts along the entire value chain in Bavaria,” said Dr. Friedel Koerfer of MAN Truck & Bus SE.