2025-06-13: The dramatic bankruptcy of battery manufacturer Northvolt and the uncertain electric vehicle market might give the impression that the electrification of transport has stalled — but the major transformation cannot be stopped.
From 15 to 18 June, Gothenburg will become a global hub for electromobility as the world’s largest trade fair in the field – EVS 38 (Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition) – is held on Swedish soil for the first time. Around 300 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected.
The exhibition’s academic programme is extensive, and Chalmers is well represented.
From a West Swedish perspective, the development of electric cars is of course central – the strong presence of Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, platinum-level sponsors of the event, emphasises this. But for a technical university, it becomes clear how multifaceted and profound the electrification process truly is. This is reflected not least in the research within the field.
For instance, it includes the drone-related area of Urban Air Mobility, encompassing all aspects of new airborne transport technologies in constrained airspaces; naturally, it also involves battery technology in numerous respects – not least the structural carbon fibre batteries that Chalmers researchers garnered massive international attention for last year; or how fuel cells and other hydrogen technologies, in combination with electricity, could serve as a key hybrid to electrify new sectors.
It is multidisciplinary and complex, but it also demonstrates how short the distance is today between molecular-level research and products on the brink of becoming part of our everyday lives.
All of this is also a source of hope. Right now, global circumstances pose challenges for the automotive industry, and battery technology in particular is an area where Europe needs to rally in order to compete with Asia. It is easy to feel discouraged when considering sustainable development on the international stage.
But in a longer perspective, these are mere ripples on the surface.
The shift toward more efficient transport is like a tidal wave – it can be slowed, but not stopped.
And it reminds us that researchers and engineers around the world are taking new steps every day toward a more sustainable future.
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology
Under the headline "President’s perspective" the President and CEO for Chalmers University of Technology, shares his reflections on current topics that concern education, research and utilisation.