Fraunhofer FFB and Kerkhoff have established a strategic partnership aimed at facilitating the cost-efficient acquisition of battery cells for industrial clients. The collaboration centers around a jointly developed cost modeling system designed to enhance transparency in complex pricing structures. This alliance supports companies in systematically preparing for and executing challenging supplier negotiations, ultimately delivering solutions that achieve maximum efficiency and cost savings in both product development and production planning.
Battery cells are increasingly recognized as a critical component across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. In Europe, the demand for high-performance batteries is growing rapidly at an annual rate of approximately 25 percent. However, the region currently relies heavily on imports from China. In response, the European Union has set a target to satisfy 90 percent of battery demand through domestic production by 2030.
“Companies are faced with the challenge of reconciling fluctuating raw material prices, significant investment costs, non-transparent cost structures and high demands on sustainability and purchasing security,” says Hendrik Walter, Head of Strategic Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of innovative technology developments from German and European companies. On the contrary: developments are being made in all areas that have the potential to significantly advance battery cell production. These include product and production innovations, such as sodium-ion batteries or the dry coating process. However, the dynamics of innovation in particular make it difficult to make reliable cost forecasts and fact-based investment decisions. “The ability to classify innovations correctly and translate them into reliable planning is becoming a key factor in international competition,” emphasizes Walter.
The partnership between Fraunhofer FFB and Kerkhoff offers comprehensive project solutions, including detailed analyses of cost drivers and thorough evaluations of cost structures. This provides a solid foundation for making informed investment decisions and conducting effective negotiations. Additionally, the collaboration leverages expertise in calculation and negotiation strategies based on behavioral economics and game theory, ensuring professional handling of various negotiation and market scenarios. This approach helps determine which battery cells with specific performance parameters can be acquired at target costs.
Based on this joint methodology, concrete solutions are developed that closely interlink research and practice. “Our task as Fraunhofer FFB is to accelerate the transfer of research into industrial application. We thus ensure new, efficient and scalable production processes and technologies in the field of battery production. With Kerkhoff, we have a partner who transfers these into economical and resilient supply chains. Together, we offer tailor-made solutions for the industry,” emphasizes Dr. Florian Degen, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Fraunhofer FFB.
Andreas Dölecke emphasizes economic viability as a decisive factor: “Technical innovations are only effective if they are also economically viable. This is precisely where we combine our DNA with that of Fraunhofer FFB to help industrial clients make the best future-proof decisions with technological clarity and strategic negotiation expertise. Availability of the best technology at the best price.
Source: Fraunhofer FFB Press Release
