The fundamental problem with the use of electric motors is the high battery wear and energy consumption when the permanent load peaks during acceleration. If we are able to cache the regenerated braking energy in an additional capacitor, the energy could then be available for renewed acceleration processes. The number of charge cycles would be thus reduced, extending the range of the vehicle.

— Prof. Dr.-Ing. Roberto Leidhold

The researchers are thus exploring a configuration in which constant base-load power comes of the the main battery pack, while peak consumption during acceleration comes from the intermediate store, replenished by regenerative braking.

A second problem in the use of electric drives is the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the vehicle systems, says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Vick.

Due to the interference of the individual components in the electric vehicle, it could happen that when accelerating, the car radio breaks down or security-related technology such as the ABS is affected. We have, with the largest EMC anechoic chamber on German university campus, the expertise accurately to measure, analyze and then minimize the mutual influence and interference during operation or even eliminate it.

—Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Vick