by Nada Welker | Sep 23, 2024 | Alternative Drives, Automotive Industry, Electrification, Hydrogen
We at Magility GmbH are firmly convinced that hydrogen does not represent a viable solution for heavy-duty transport. While some experts, including most recently VDA President Hildegard Müller at the IAA Transportation, still view hydrogen as one of the promising pathways to decarbonizing truck fleets, we, after extensive analysis and practical experience – including multiple calculation scenarios and technology studies for the truck fleets of our logistics sector clients – consider this option inefficient and unrealistic. Instead, we are committed to battery-electric truck solutions (BET solutions), which we see as the practical and future-proof path for energy transformation in heavy-duty transport. As early as 2021, our CEO, Dr. Michael Müller, gave interviews on the challenges of hydrogen technologies, demonstrating Magility GmbH’s in-depth engagement with the topic.
The Challenges of Hydrogen
High Costs – We see cost structures as one of the biggest hurdles for hydrogen in heavy-duty transport.
- Production: The production of green hydrogen, which is essential to meet climate targets, is extremely energy-intensive. Since the electricity required for electrolysis comes from renewable energy sources, the production of hydrogen is significantly more expensive than the direct use of electricity in batteries.
- Infrastructure: Building a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, including refueling stations and pipelines, involves immense costs. The investments required to create a functioning supply chain are disproportionate to the already existing charging infrastructure for battery-electric vehicles, which continues to be expanded.
- Vehicle Acquisition: Fuel cell vehicles are currently significantly more expensive to purchase than battery-electric trucks. The high acquisition costs and the complicated technology result in a clear disadvantage compared to the increasingly efficient BET (battery electric truck) solutions.
Low Efficiency – For us, the efficiency of hydrogen technologies remains another obstacle.
- Energy Losses During the conversion of electricity into hydrogen and the subsequent reconversion into electrical energy via fuel cells, a large portion of energy is lost. This means that significantly more electricity is required to generate the same amount of energy than with the direct use of batteries.
- Overall Efficiency Battery-electric trucks have a much higher efficiency due to their direct drive with electricity. This makes them a better choice for the future of heavy-duty transport, both from an ecological and economical perspective.
The Advantages of BET Solutions
At Magility, we focus on the continuous improvement of battery technology as the key to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport. The advantages of BET solutions are clear!
Cost Efficiency
- Decreasing Costs: Due to mass production and technological advancements, battery prices are continuously decreasing. Economies of scale are leading to a significant reduction in costs for both vehicles and infrastructure.
- Fast Charging Times: Fast charging systems are developing rapidly, and charging times for battery-electric trucks are becoming shorter and shorter. This progress increasingly debunks the argument that electric trucks are impractical due to long charging times.
Technological Maturity
- Proven Technology: Batteries have already proven themselves in many areas of mobility, from cars to buses to light commercial vehicles. The technological maturity and continuous development make battery-electric trucks a reliable option for fleet operators.
- Multiple Uses: After their use in vehicles, batteries can be used for stationary energy storage. This extends their lifespan and improves their economic sustainability.
Infrastructure Expansion
- Existing Power Grid: Unlike the complex hydrogen infrastructure, there is already a well-established power grid. The expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is progressing rapidly worldwide, and more and more charging stations are becoming available. With intelligent load management and the use of renewable energies, the power grid can be operated in a stable and sustainable manner.
Conclusion: E-Mobility as a Viable Solution
At Magility, we see hydrogen in heavy-duty transport as an inefficient and cost-intensive solution that does not meet the requirements of this sector. The high costs, low efficiency, and underdeveloped infrastructure are barriers that cannot be overcome in the foreseeable future. In contrast, E-solutions offer a mature, efficient, and economically sustainable way to drive the energy transition in heavy-duty transport. With the continuous development of battery technology and the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, we see battery-electric mobility as the key to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport.
“Hydrogen remains an illusion for us – battery-electric trucks, on the other hand, represent a realistic and achievable future vision.” – Jürgen Schenk, Senior Advisor, Magility GmbH
Our experts are happy to assist you in mastering the energy transformation in the mobility sector successfully. We support you with professional and holistic planning of your procurement scenarios through dynamic cost analyses. For the conversion and optimization of your fleets, we develop customized decision matrices based on typical usage periods, which will efficiently ease your management efforts.
by Nada Welker | Jan 19, 2024 | Automotive Industry, Electrification, New Mobility
Electromobility is gaining an increasingly significant role in the “Power Ecosystem,” presenting companies with a multitude of challenges. Simultaneously, it opens up numerous opportunities for innovative solutions and new business models. In this blog article, we will delve into the key aspects of electromobility in the power ecosystem, succinctly summarized.
Challenges of Electromobility in the Power Ecosystem
Ensuring sufficient grid capacity is crucial for reliable charging processes. Companies face the task of investing in technologies that optimize grid capacity and promote the integration of renewable energies.
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Diversity of Plugs and Standards
The variety of plugs and standards poses a challenge. Compatibility of charging stations with different plug types and standards is essential, necessitating standardized solutions.
Fast charging times are a crucial customer need. Companies must choose the right charging speed and technology to meet requirements, with technological innovations playing a vital role.
Strategic site selection for charging stations is critical for success. Companies need to carefully consider factors such as accessibility, traffic density, and parking facilities.
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Costs and Economic Viability
Investing in charging stations is expensive. Companies must conduct economic planning that considers usage and charging prices.
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User-Friendliness and Customer Experience
User-friendly charging stations, simple payment systems, and a positive customer experience are crucial. The integration of apps and reliable systems contributes to customer satisfaction.
Awareness and compliance with regulatory requirements are indispensable. Companies must be aware of and fully comply with local laws and regulations.
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Fleet Charging Infrastructure
Developing an efficient charging infrastructure for fleets requires a holistic strategy. Scalable solutions are needed to meet the demands of fleet operators.
Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid failures. Companies must ensure well-organized maintenance processes and provide reliable support when needed.
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Data Security and Billing
The security of customer data and reliable billing processes are of great importance. Companies should rely on robust security protocols and implement transparent billing procedures.
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Availability of Charging Infrastructure
Providing sufficient charging stations is a challenge. Companies need to develop scalable models to support the growing number of electric vehicles.
Successfully addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategic planning, technical expertise, and close collaboration with various stakeholders. At magility, we are pleased to assist companies in developing and successfully implementing a comprehensive e-mobility strategy in the power ecosystem. Energy Management and balancing plays a key role in the future.
Electric Vehicles and Fleets as Flexible Energy Sources in the Power Ecosystem
Electric vehicles and fleets not only offer mobility but can also act as flexible energy sources. Through bidirectional charging, also known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), they can contribute to grid stabilization.
Challenges in Electric Vehicles and Fleets
- Infrastructure for Charging Stations: See previous section
- Charging Times: Require careful planning and integration into operations.
- Range Anxiety: Concerns about limited range require specific solutions
- Costs: Higher acquisition costs compared to conventional vehicles
- Charging Infrastructure Costs: Investments in charging stations and infrastructure
- Technical Expertise: Transition requires qualified personnel or access to skilled workers
- Fleet Management: Requires specialized software solutions
- Charging Infrastructure Management: Optimal use of infrastructure
- Environmental Impacts: Consideration of ecological aspects
- Brand Impacts: Transition can influence brand imag
- Cybersecurity: Implementation of necessary security measures
- Availability of Government Incentives: Dependent on regional incentive programs
Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, infrastructure investments, and employee training. At magility, we offer comprehensive consulting services to assist companies in successfully implementing their electric vehicle initiatives.
Bidirectional Charging: Potentials and Challenges in the Electricity Ecosystem
Bidirectional Charging (BDL) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is an innovative technology where electric vehicles not only draw energy from the grid but can also feed energy back into the grid.
Challenges of Bidirectional Charging in the Power Ecosystem
- Technical Complexity: Requires special hardware in vehicles and charging stations
- Battery Lifespan: Controlled charging and discharging are crucial
- Standardization: Uniform standards for interoperability are lacking
- Grid Integration: Requires careful integration into the existing grid
- Security: Robust security protocols and hardware are necessary
- Economic Incentives: Creation of incentives for end consumers and operators
- Regulatory Hurdles: Adjustments in existing regulations are necessary
- Data Security: Protection of user data is a central challenge
Potentials of Bidirectional Charging in the Power Ecosystem
- Grid Stabilization: Contribution to stabilizing the power grid
- Peak Load Management: Reduction of peak loads on the grid
- Renewable Integration: Efficient integration of renewable energies
- Additional Revenue Streams: Income through energy feed-in
- Emergency Power Supply: Use of electric vehicles as emergency power sources
- Sustainability: Increase in the overall sustainability of the energy system
Companies investing in bidirectional charging technology can benefit not only from ecological advantages but also unlock new business opportunities. Our experts at magility and the experts of our partner Hive Power are ready to assist companies in realizing the associated potentials.
Magility, we don’t just drive business ecosystems. We invite you to connect with us for a discussion on the electricity landscape. Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming blog on the Electricity Ecosystem!
by Nada Welker | Sep 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
Visitor surge at IAA MOBILITY 2023
IAA MOBILITY 2023 witnessed record levels of international participation, with 750 exhibitors from 38 countries, making it a truly global event for exhibitors, speakers, guests, and journalists. The event showcased in excess of 300 world premieres and innovations, underscoring the exhibitors’ exceptional innovation capabilities. More than 500,000 visitors attended the event from September 5th to 10th, with over 100,000 people present at the IAA MOBILITY’s Open Space in the heart of Munich on Saturday alone. International media coverage increased by over 70 percent compared to IAA Mobility 2021, with 3,700 accredited journalists from 82 countries in attendance. This high level of international presence was also reflected in the visitor demographics, with approximately 30 percent of the attendees originating from 109 different foreign countries.
Engagement with Stakeholders, Politics, Society, and Business
The IAA MOBILITY was inaugurated by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and it featured over 500 high-profile international speakers at the IAA Conference, providing exclusive insights into the future of mobility. This included many leading CEOs from both established mobility and tech companies as well as promising startups. Notable international figures, such as Oscar winner Natalie Portman, Mars mission candidate Alyssa Carson, and climate advocate Sophia Kianni, also took the stage in Munich.
The intensive dialogues and constructive debates with various stakeholders from politics, society, and business at the Open Space and IAA Summit are crucial elements in achieving climate-neutral mobility successfully.
The recent images broadcasted from Munich vividly depict the automotive industry’s unwavering commitment to preserving Germany’s status as the “Land of the Car” while aligning with climate objectives, the welfare of individuals, and economic prosperity. The advanced concept introduced in Munich has demonstrated consistent success this year.
Magility @ IAA Mobility 2023 – Our Perspective on the New IAA Mobility
IAA Mobility 2023 served as a crucial platform for the global automotive industry to showcase its latest technologies and innovations. From the vantage point of an automotive technology consulting firm such as Magility GmbH, the following trends become particularly prominent.
Electromobility
The electrification of automobiles remains the most significant trend in the industry.
The use of electromobility is increasing worldwide due to legal regulations and financial incentives. New emissions regulations in China and Europe, along with government incentives in the USA and Europe, are making electric vehicles more attractive to consumers. Simultaneously, advanced driver-assistance systems are paving the way for semi-autonomous mobility in the near future. The utilization of shared mobility, especially among Generation Z, is expected to rise significantly. The increasingly digital and connected lifestyle of consumers is also driving higher demand for seamless mobility solutions, particularly in the micro-mobility and last-mile transportation sectors. The automotive industry must embrace comprehensive connectivity as the foundation to address this mobility revolution.
IAA Mobility 2023 showcased numerous new electric vehicles, including models from established manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Many Chinese OEMs are actively contributing to this trend, offering their electric vehicles at competitive prices. The significance of charging infrastructure for electric mobility was further highlighted during the IAA MOBILITY.
Vehicle batteries are becoming “virtual power plants” within a smart grid. Swiss startup Hive Power demonstrated how smart grid balancing works.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another crucial trend in the automotive industry. The growing importance of connectivity for vehicle manufacturers stems from the fact that cars are becoming increasingly digitalized devices on wheels. Connected vehicles can communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and the internet, opening up new opportunities for safety, convenience, and entertainment.
This transformation requires traditional automakers, initially not primarily software companies, to build their expertise and establish partnerships to acquire the necessary skills to manage the complexity of software-defined vehicles. Investments in enabling seamless connected digital experiences are necessary to meet consumer expectations. Simultaneously, automakers must address the challenges of data management and cybersecurity as the volume of data, both within and outside the vehicle, continues to grow.
To better align themselves with connectivity, automakers must strike a balance between the costs of developing mobility services and the potential revenues from digital offerings. They need to accurately assess consumer willingness to pay in different markets and segments and strategically determine where to focus their efforts. Connectivity is crucial for enabling the new era of mobility, not just a means to an end. The IAA Mobility 2023 showcased numerous new connectivity solutions.
Sustainability
The concept of “sustainable mobility” goes beyond emission reduction and the development of alternative propulsion systems. It also encompasses the more efficient use of transportation modes. In public transportation and shared mobility, better utilization can help reduce the number of vehicles in urban areas. Smart cities and vehicle connectivity offer opportunities for smarter and more sustainable traffic management.
The question of whether we can achieve entirely emissions-free driving in the future becomes intriguing due to new projects related to E-fuels and carbon capture. There are many opportunities in the mobility sector to become more sustainable and improve the lives of billions of people and the environment.
The automotive industry is acutely aware of the challenges posed by climate change and is working to make its products and processes more sustainable. Sustainability was a central theme at the IAA Mobility 2023. “Circular economy” is a current buzzword and was a challenging topic in the IAA Mobility Visionary Club.The concept of a circular economy holds the potential to deliver eco-friendly mobility while posing both an opportunity and a challenge for the automotive sector. At its essence, it strives to generate new without depleting fresh resources.
Such an approach enables the sustainable use of finite resources and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. A new label for sustainable vehicles was also introduced at the IAA.
[infobox headline=”At a glance”]
- The IAA MOBILITY 2023 recorded record participation with 750 exhibitors from 38 countries.
- Over 300 world premieres and innovations were presented.
- The event attracted more than 500,000 visitors, including over 100,000 on a single Saturday.
- International media coverage increased by over 70 percent compared to 2021.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opened the event, and over 500 high-profile international speakers discussed the future of mobility.
- Electromobility remains a key trend, with increasing adoption due to legal regulations and financial incentives worldwide.
- Connectivity is becoming increasingly important as cars are becoming digitally connected devices on wheels.
- Sustainable mobility goes beyond emissions reduction and alternative propulsion and includes more efficient use of transportation.
- New projects involving E-fuels and CO2 capture could enable a carbon-neutral future.
- Additional trends include software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence, and advanced safety technologies.
[/infobox]
The automotive industry is undergoing a massive technological transformation, with electrification, connectivity, and software development shaping the future.
Other Trends at IAA Mobility 2023
Additionally, the IAA Mobility 2023 featured the following trends:
- Software-defined Vehicles: Software is becoming a critical success factor in the automotive industry. New providers of automotive operating systems, such as SONATUS from California, are emerging.
- Artificial Intelligence: Customers increasingly expect personalized products and services. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are working to personalize their offerings with AI. Numerous new personalized products and services were showcased at the IAA Mobility 2023. For example, German company XaiTeck, which defines applications using Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Graphs, presented its innovations.
- Security: Security is a central theme for the automotive industry. The IAA Mobility 2023 introduced various new safety technologies, with a focus on autonomous driving systems. Cybersecurity companies like Magility Cyber Security GmbH also made their presence felt.
The IAA Mobility 2023 demonstrated that the automotive industry is undergoing a massive and profound technological transformation and facing international competition. Electrification, connectivity, and electronification (software) are the most critical technological trends that will continue to shape the industry in the coming years from Magility’s perspective.
by Nada Welker | Jul 8, 2022 | Automotive Cyber Security, Automotive Industry, Cyber Security Management, Future Trends, Know-How and inspiration, Market development & Trends, News from magility, strategy in change
At the 26th International Automotive Electronics Congress 2022 in Ludwigsburg, the top industry event for electronics experts and decision-makers in the automotive sector, the focus was on the path to the software-defined car. What does it take in the automotive industry to develop the software-defined car safely, efficiently and sustainably? What are the automotive industry’s current pain points in this multi-layered challenge? What role do regulations play? Do we need cross-border standards to get there? And what role do consumer experiences play? How are the individual players in the automotive industry meeting the current challenges, and why are open source approaches and cooperation particularly important now? Many questions, but also controversial discussions, characterized the traditional congress at the Forum am Schlosspark. Despite many answers, also many questions remained unanswered. The conclusion: There is still a lot to do!
The software-defined car
Up to now, software has been and still is to a large extent very closely linked to the hardware module or electronic control unit (ECU) in the vehicle, which takes over a very specific functionality there. In the “traditional car”, the software hardly evolved during the life of a vehicle and any necessary updates required a visit to the workshop. In the software-defined car, functions are defined by the software rather than the specific hardware modules, similar to applications we run on our smartphones or computers. This allows the functions to evolve and improve throughout the life of the vehicle and even add new functions and features as necessary within the hardware limits. With the software-defined vehicle, new features and services or apps are enabled in the vehicle as needed, either individually or for a limited time. This creates multiple opportunities for new business models, and software-as-a-service becomes tangible for car users. The value of a vehicle can even be increased during its life cycle by adding features at a later stage. Manufacturers’ focus on user experience is becoming a critical success factor. Data can be transmitted over-the-air (OTA), the vehicle can communicate with the infrastructure, collect and send data to the cloud, and receive data. Mobility services, automated driving and the further development of e-mobility are only made possible by software. So the car continues to evolve into a software-centric electronic device on wheels. This no longer has much to do with the original way an automobile worked. The automotive industry is still in the midst of transformation and must open itself up to an even greater extent to market participants from and cooperations with the software and communications industry.
The most important topics and statements of the speakers
After the opening by Alfred Vollmer, Editor-in-Chief of “Automobil-Elektronik” and initiator of the Automotive Electronics Congress, Ricky Hudi took over the moderation and handed over to the first speaker of the day, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, who spoke about Porsche’s vision of the future and appealed to the emotions of the audience. In this regard, when it came to software-defined vehicle, the use of an open operating system that works with AI and enables the vehicle to connect to different ecosystems around the world was particularly important to him. He also clearly stood for the recognition of the human factor and emphasized the importance of bringing employees along in the transformation and placing them at the center of concepts for success. After all, he said, the transformation cannot be mastered without motivated employees who share the company’s vision and brand values and understand and internalize the necessary steps on the way to the software-defined vehicle.
The future strategy at Mercedes-Benz was the focus of the keynote speech by Magnus Österberg, Head of Software at the Stuttgart-based automaker. It became quite clear: Mercedes-Benz claims market leadership in the luxury segment. The new MB.OS operating system (to go into series production in 2024) and the software development center in Sindelfingen play a decisive role in achieving the ambitious goals. However, Österberg was also critical: “We are leaders in the field of electrical engineering, but there is still a long way to go before we become market leaders in the field of software.”
The world’s largest automotive supplier has managed the transformation from a pure hardware company to a software company, said Mathias Pillin (President Cross Domain Computing Solutions at Bosch). Today, however, the biggest challenge of a Tier 1 is to make it clear to the OEM that not only hardware, but also software has an independent value. It is the software, he said, that makes it possible to process data from a connected vehicle in the quantity and quality to provide individual services and functions.
Dipti Vachani, SVP Automotive and IoT at arm, sees an interplay between hardware and software: “Software-defined vehicles need specific computing power and hardware tailored to the workload of the car. To achieve this, software development today must be integrated into the vehicle development process at a very early stage and meet different demands for performance and compatibility. This compatibility across the entire vehicle is and remains a major challenge for manufacturers. For her, the interlocking further development of hardware and software is the top priority.
Panel discussion “Semiconductors: The Base of the Software-defined Car”.
Moderated by Alfred Vollmer (Automotive Electronics), Jens Fabrowsky (Bosch), Calista Redmond (RISC-V International), Dipti Vachani (arm), Lars Reger (NXP) and Magnus Östberg (Mercedes-Benz), discussed the position of semiconductors in the automotive sector. Commenting on the reports and rumors that OEMs are now building their own chips, Lars Rieger of NXP said, “Let’s dispel the myths a bit. Tesla gets 99% of its chips from companies like us. All they have done is develop an AI accelerator.” And on semiconductor shortages, he commented, “98% of all automotive semiconductors will be above 20 nm in the next 15 years.” Arm’s Dipti Vachani emphasized that innovation has not slowed down due to Corona and that the industry is moving like never before. Magnus Östberg argued that the industry should become more professional in dealing with risks. All the panelists were equally clear that scaling must become the focus of attention.
User experience as a central feature of the software-defined vehicle
The vehicle as the ultimate mobile device: a major topic at the congress. According to Stephan Durach, SVP Connected Company Development at BMW, hardware is increasingly taking a back seat, while intuitive, natural interaction in the car is becoming more and more important. At BMW, this is implemented in the form of a virtual assistant or intelligent navigation. However, it would remain exciting to see what would happen with Apple’s Car Play system, for example, should conflicts of interest arise on the subject of user interface.
When it came to the topic of user experience, three speakers were very much in agreement: Dirk Walliser, SVP Corporate Research & Development at the ZF Group, got to the heart of the matter in his very interesting presentation. The software-defined vehicle is much more than just software. It is much more about the user experience. As far as the cost structure is concerned, however, it is still not clear who will bear the costs for additional software functions in the future: The OEM or the customer?
At Harman International, the focus is also on the consumer experience. For Christian Sobottka, President of the Automotive Division, customers rightly expect to find everything they use on their smartphones in their cars within a very short time. And Riclef Schmidt-Clausen, SVP Domain Intelligent Cockpit & Body at Cariad, noted that smartphone manufacturers clearly still lead the way in user experience. Reaching this level in the automotive industry is a major challenge, he said.
Collaboration as the key to success?
Christoph Hartung (ETAS) spoke about how this challenge could be solved quickly in his presentation, which also contained quite provocative statements: There is no more hierarchical industry than the automotive industry, and AUTOSAR (an initiative to create an open software architecture for ECUs) was founded in 2003 because the industry was “deep in the sh***” at that time. Currently, we are again in a similar situation with the further development of the user interface in the software-defined vehicle, says Hartung – but the willingness to cooperate is basically there in the industry. Karsten Michels, Head of Productline at Continental Automotive, put it similarly, but less provocatively: “Collaboration is the key, we’re all in the same boat.”
Calista Redmond, CEO of RISC-V International brought the topic of open source collaboration model to the stage with a lot of enthusiasm. RISC-V is a free and open ISA that aims to enable a new era of processor innovation through open standards collaboration.
Other presentations by top-notch speakers on exciting insights enriched the congress.
The setting and the atmosphere
For the 26th time already, the doors of the congress opened, which every year is the central meeting point for almost 600 industry experts, mainly from the automotive electrics/electronics sector. The “Great Reunion of the Industry”, as the congress is also fondly called, takes place at the Forum am Schlosspark in Ludwigsburg. For the first time, the event was held exclusively in English – whether this contributed to the quality of the congress is something we at magility critically question. Criticism was also voiced among the participants that with a proportion of German-speaking visitors of certainly at least 90%, a great deal was “lost in translation”. Visitors were able to visit the accompanying trade exhibition before the lecture rooms and find out about the latest developments from exhibitors in the industry live and make contacts. At the culinary networking event in the evening in the neighboring riding hall, the mood was relaxed; many finally saw each other in person for the first time after two years of pandemic.
We were struck this year by the slight increase in the number of female visitors, both on and off stage. With a share of about 3% of the total number of visitors, however, there is still plenty of room for improvement!

The number of female attendees was clearly reflected in the visit to the ladies’ toilets. Conclusion: At this congress the men have to queue 😉
magility Insights
We from magility met many business partners at the congress, had interesting conversations and were pleased to be able to network in person again. As always, the congress was smoothly organized. Thematically, it was more about “in the vehicle” and less about networking and infrastructure, which plays an equally important role in the software-defined vehicle for us at magility. The topic of fleet clearly came up short for us and the subject matter of the speakers has changed only minimally from the time before Corona. Cooperations are important, almost all participants agreed on that. This was also the case before Corona. However, few cooperations were presented this year, which may be an unintended side effect of the Corona pandemic with its contact restrictions.
For us from magility, the presentation by Huawei was very impressive, in which it was explained what has already been implemented and achieved there in the last 3 years. Huawei introduced its first electric car Seres Huawei Smart Selection SF5 only last year and the speed with which Huawei is on the move in the further development of intelligent automotive solutions should shake up all other market players. In their presentations the German companies talked even more about what should be implemented.
The road to the software-defined vehicle is without a doubt one of the key challenges for the German automotive industry that needs to be tackled with verve and without delay. Here in the Stuttgart metropolitan region, we have the best prerequisites for helping to shape the mobility of the future on a solid basis if we approach the new market participants with an open mind, see cooperation as an opportunity, and rely at least in part on uniform software development. Not everyone has to cook their own soup. But together we have the chance to turn the soup into a star menu! Let’s do great things together! We at magility are happy to help!
by Nada Welker | Nov 22, 2021 | Hydrogen
Hydrogen as a driver of innovation in the Stuttgart Metropolitan Region
At our 5th network meeting “Future Business Digital Networks”, which we at magility organised together with VP Bank and oeconos, entrepreneurs from all over Baden- Württemberg came together again this year to discuss the megatrend of neo-ecology and in particular the currently very hyped topic of “hydrogen”.
The speakers
Dr. Thomas Gitzel, Chief Economist of the VP Bank Group, gave an insight into the current economic situation and, using the example of pipelines from Russia, underlined the importance of global dependencies and their challenges among others, for Germany in the area of gas.
Dr. René Schellenberger introduced the world of neo-ecology with his keynote speech. He showed how ecological values are creating a new global identity and made it clear how the relationship between humans, nature and technology will change in the future and how completely new relationships will result from this.
Jan Dietz, CEO of oeconos GmbH, then moved on to the kind of change that this will bring for innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises and pragmatically showed what neo-ecology means for companies and how it will affect products, processes and business models. The return to old values, especially in production processes, will play a major role.
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Reiff, Chairman of the Board of KST Motorenversuch GmbH & Co. KG, made it clear that hydrogen will be an important building block for achieving the climate targets, but that sufficient availability, especially of green hydrogen, will still be a challenge for many years to come.
The panel discussion
Dr. Michael Müller, CEO of Magility GmbH, and Jürgen Schenk, Senior Executive Advisor of Magility GmbH, also expressed this point of view and elaborated on it in the subsequent panel discussion. In order for hydrogen to establish itself as a sustainable and easily accessible energy carrier, it is necessary to consider various fields: Production, logistics and distribution through to applications. The two magility experts discussed with the audience and the speakers which H2 applications will sustainably establish themselves on the market.
Cornelia Frey, moderator of the Stuttgart Stock Exchange, skilfully led the interactive panel discussion. She contributed important suggestions and encouraged interactive discussion with the audience. One main point was the potential that hydrogen can bring for new business models in the coming years.
Hydrogen as a driver of innovation?
Jules Verne wrote in the book “The Mysterious Island” already in 1874:
“Water is the coal of the future. The energy of tomorrow is water that has been decomposed by electric current. The elements of water thus decomposed, hydrogen and oxygen, will secure the earth’s energy supply for the unforeseeable future.”
H2 is one of the options for phasing out fossil fuels quickly and sustainably. H2, especially in its green variant, offers considerable potential for achieving climate protection goals. The modification of conventional to climate-neutral business models requires a high degree of competence and experience. The biggest challenge for companies is to find the optimal mix between climate neutrality and business success. Only when the strength of hydrogen is considered in a cross-sectoral manner for transport, power generation, heat and industry green hydrogen is able to unfold its full potential in a sustainable energy system and a viable concept can emerge.
Magility GmbH and hydrogen – position paper
We at magility see ourselves as a system integrator for hydrogen projects, especially in the fields of industry, real estate, individual mobility, transport and energy supply for the German market. We model the individual environment of our customers and can calculate individual optimisations from the available energy balances and applications. From this, we create suitable and scalable solutions that can also be expanded and adapted over time. In our new position paper “Hydrogen – just one part of the big picture Energy transition, companies and “Climate Action Failure”, we at magility take a position on the trend topic of hydrogen and show in which fields of application we see the greatest potential.
Effects of the Neoecology Megatrend
Sustainable structures are becoming the new defining economic factor of our time. The megatrend neoecology will shape the future and have a particular impact on the way companies think and act. The economic system and the market will change permanently. As a result, companies are not only faced with the challenge of orienting themselves towards the future through the digital transformation and the associated innovations and new business areas, but the 2020s will also be decisively shaped by sustainability issues that concern every entrepreneur.
Interview with Dr. Michael Müller
For further information, please read the interview with our CEO Dr. Michael Müller published by the Stuttgarter Börse.
Please feel free to contact us.