Ferrari Develops E-Cells Research Lab In Collaboration With University Of Bologna

Ferrari Develops E-Cells Research Lab In Collaboration With University Of Bologna

The University of Bologna recently inaugurated E-Cells Lab, a research center for electrochemistry. The laboratory, which was set up under the university’s scientific direction, aims to build knowledge of the materials, and the chemical and physical properties, of lithium cells.

Ferrari has also promoted and supported the laboratory through the exchange of expertise with the university and its partner; it strongly believes in the great value the project holds for the local area, and for the automotive segment in particular.

The applications developed in E-Cells Lab are expected to be shared with leading electronics company NXP, technology partner, and supporter of the project. This collaboration between different organizations, which in the future may extend to new companies, is estimated to be of vital importance in extending the scope and value of the research activity.

The laboratory consists of two areas: the first is dedicated to preparing electrochemical materials, and the second is to analysis, test, and determine the characteristics of the materials themselves. There is to be a particular focus on solid states, fast charging, thermal charging, cell safety, and performance. The results are expected to help Ferrari develop a shared language with its cell suppliers, to optimize the performance of the batteries that are to be assembled in the Maranello plants.

“E-Cells Lab represents an exciting beginning and demonstrates our commitment to education and research. The project also reflects the importance that the confluence between the academic and business worlds has always had for us,” said Benedetto Vigna, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ferrari. “Today, from this confluence comes a laboratory that is expected to make an important contribution to studies in the field of electrochemistry, generating innovation in our local area and building the skills of the future.”

The Chancellor of the University of Bologna, Giovanni Molari, commented: “I am pleased that Ferrari has chosen the Alma Mater for this important project in scientific and educational innovation. I’m sure that this collaboration will be fruitful and herald significant results. This agreement encapsulates many characteristic facets of the Alma Mater: the will to remain at the cutting edge of both teaching and research; dialogue with Italy’s most important public and private institutions; the desire to promote new synergies that can act as a model and a driver for key areas in our collective development.”

“Close collaboration across industry and academia allows us to accelerate the research on safe, efficient, and sustainable battery innovations significantly,” said Jens Hinrichsen, EVP and GM of Advanced Analog at NXP. “Through the combined efforts of NXP, Ferrari, and University of Bologna, we expect to set new benchmarks for performance and sustainability to reach our common goal of a greener, brighter future.”