In this paper, battery system architectures are methodologically derived in order to find the key type differences. In a first step, the system levels are identified and distinguished. In order to be able to completely cover the solution space of battery system architectures, a distinction is also made between mono- and multifunctional materials. Based on the system levels, a framework for possible architectures is derived. Four system architecture generations with a total of eight different types are identified and analyzed in the dimensions “Nomenclature”, “Approach”, “Omitted Components” and “Industry Examples”. In this way, upcoming system architectures, such as cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis, can be clearly differentiated. Finally, fundamental product characteristics for the four system generations are derived and compared.

The cell finishing process is the final stage in the production of a battery cell. Almost one third of the production costs of a battery cell are related to this part of the production. It includes a series of steps and technologies aimed at optimizing the battery cell’s performance, quality, and safety. The process is divided into three categories: pre-treatment, formation procedure, and quality testing. The order of the processes and the time required for each step can vary depending on the manufacturer and the cell format. Recent trends in optimizing the cell finishing process include the integration of a second filling process for larger prismatic cells and the optimization of the formation protocol or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) as possible methods for quality inspection. Efforts are also being made to reduce the pre-treatment time and improve the degassing process to ensure cell performance, quality, and safety. In this paper, all process steps of the cell finishing process are presented, and their function and technological implementation in the industry are explained. Future innovations are analyzed in terms of time to market and the potential to optimize the process in terms of quality, time, and cost.

Battery cell finalization is a crucial process chain in battery manufacturing, contributing to a significant share of CAPEX and OPEX. Thus, there is a high cost-saving potential by improving the process chain. This research paper investigates various crucial facets of the cell finalization process in battery cell production through an expert survey. These include investment cost allocation, potential cost savings in sub-processes, reject generation, early detection of faulty cells, quality measurement techniques, and the utilization of inline data for early quality determination and real-time process control during the formation process. A solution approach for the implementation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for inline early quality determination is given. The results yield valuable insights for optimizing the formation process and enhancing product quality.

Zusammenfassung Elektromobilität besitzt das Potenzial, den Verkehr vollständig CO₂-frei, abgasfrei und ressourceneffizient zu gestalten. Da der Verkehrssektor im Jahr 2019 nach der Energiewirtschaft und der Industrie noch für ein Fünftel der deutschen Treibhausgasemissionen verantwortlich war, ist schnelles Handeln unabdingbar. Die Vorteile der Elektromobilität wurden nach einigem Zögern der Industrie und der Politik in den 2010er-Jahren nun gemeinhin erkannt. Die E-Mobilität ist längst keine Zukunftstechnologie mehr, sondern hat mittlerweile den Weg aus der Grundlagenforschung hinein in die Großserie gefunden. Ausgehend von der aktuellen Marktsituation erörtert das folgende Kapitel die Perspektiven und die aktuellen Bestrebungen der unterschiedlichen Akteure – Verbraucher, Politik, Automobilindustrie und Energiewirtschaft.