About the Office for E-Mobility
Meanwhile, there is widespread agreement on the importance of electric mobility: It has long since ceased to be an option and is now a necessary contribution by the transport sector to achieving German and European climate protection targets. In addition to the ecological dimension of local pollutant reduction and the economic aspect of energy costs, the political implications also play a decisive role: On the one hand, the future viability of the German automotive industry is considered a prerequisite for the preservation of numerous jobs, and on the other hand, the production of battery cells and systems in particular holds the opportunity to increasingly reduce mobility's dependence on fossil fuels.
GSE to bundle and systematize competencies
The ongoing development of electromobility, however, presents new challenges for science: Disciplines such as electrochemistry are experiencing a renaissance, the need for communication and collaboration between faculties and institutes is intensifying, and there is a growing demand for graduates who combine both sound mechanical engineering skills and electrical engineering know-how. Against this background, RWTH Aachen University has established the Office for E-Mobility (GSE) to systematize the diverse competencies and provide a contact point for external inquiries. The handling of large-scale projects requires close interdisciplinary collaboration between several institutes, mostly from different faculties.
Link between electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and natural sciences
The Office for E-Mobility of RWTH Aachen University therefore coordinates all the university's activities related to electric mobility. It acts as a link between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and natural sciences. In addition to coordinating projects, the office is active in continuing education and in providing innovation as well as technology platforms.