Mobility solutions

Definition:

Mobility solutions are integrated systems of vehicles, infrastructure, digital platforms, materials, and services that enable the movement of people and goods with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. The term spans vehicle-centric technologies (powertrains, chassis, E/E architectures, sensors), energy and charging ecosystems, connectivity and data services, and operating models such as fleets and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). It applies across modes (private vehicles, public transport, micromobility, logistics) and includes the selection and integration of advanced materials that improve performance, durability, cost, and lifecycle environmental impact.

Key technical characteristics:

  • System integration: Coordinated design of vehicle hardware (chassis, body, powertrain), energy systems (batteries, fuel cells), electronics (sensors, ECUs, power electronics), software (controls, ADAS/AD), and external infrastructure (charging, smart grids, traffic management).
  • Software-defined and connected: Embedded software, telematics, over-the-air updates, cloud services, and IoT/V2X connectivity that turn vehicles into continuously improving, data-rich platforms.
  • Advanced driver assistance and automation: Sensor suites (cameras, radar, lidar, ultrasonic), perception and control algorithms, and redundancy concepts supporting ADAS through higher levels of automated driving.
  • Data and communications: Real-time data collection, analytics, digital twins, and predictive maintenance enabling operational optimization and new service models.
  • Energy efficiency and performance: Lightweighting, aerodynamics, efficient electric drivetrains, regenerative braking, and intelligent thermal/energy management to reduce energy per kilometer and enhance range.
  • Safety, security, and reliability: Structural crash management, thermal runaway mitigation, functional safety processes (e.g., ISO 26262), and cybersecurity management (e.g., vehicle type-approval frameworks) to ensure safe operation and trustworthy software.
  • Sustainability and circularity: Lifecycle CO2e reduction via material choices, durability, repairability, and circular strategies (reuse, remanufacture, recycling), aligned with evolving environmental regulations.
  • Scalability and modularity: Modular platforms (e.g., skateboard or rolling chassis) and standardized interfaces that support multiple vehicle variants and services (ride-hailing, last-mile logistics).
  • User- and service-centricity: MaaS, subscriptions, fleet solutions, and accessible design focused on total cost of ownership, uptime, and quality of experience.
  • Integration with external mobility services: APIs and platforms linking vehicles to charging networks, payment systems, multimodal trip planning, and smart-city/ITS infrastructure.

Relevance to modern EV design:

  • Lightweighting and range: Use of aluminum, magnesium, high-strength steels, and fiber-reinforced composites to cut mass while maintaining crashworthiness and NVH performance.
  • Battery thermal and safety management: Materials and controls for heat dissipation, insulation, and fire protection improve charging speed, performance, and safety.
  • Structural integration: Cell-to-pack and cell-to-body architectures require high-strength, corrosion-resistant, thermally stable materials and robust joining/sealing.
  • Power electronics and charging: Wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN) and high-thermal-conductivity substrates enable compact, efficient inverters, onboard chargers, and fast-charging compatibility.
  • Grid and infrastructure integration: Route and charge planning, smart charging, demand response, and vehicle-to-grid interfaces enhance energy efficiency and user convenience.
  • Continuous improvement via software: OTA updates to battery management, drivability, ADAS, and infotainment extend functionality without hardware changes.
  • Fleet and shared mobility: Telematics, utilization optimization, predictive maintenance, and usage-based business models are central for EV fleets.
  • Durability and corrosion: Coatings, sealants, and joining strategies mitigate fatigue and galvanic corrosion in mixed-material structures.
  • Circularity and end of life: Design for disassembly, second-life battery applications, and material recovery strategies address regulations and supply chain constraints.
  • Compliance and assurance: Integration of ADAS/AD, cybersecurity, crashworthiness, and thermal runaway standards in design and validation.

Synonyms and related terms:

  • Synonyms/near-synonyms: Smart mobility, sustainable mobility, integrated mobility, e-mobility solutions, software-defined mobility.
  • Related terms: Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), software-defined vehicle (SDV), ADAS/automated driving (AD), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), battery electric vehicle (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), shared mobility, micromobility, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, telematics.

Further information:

  • Development and validation: Requirements engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), virtual simulation, software- and hardware-in-the-loop testing, scenario-based safety validation, and reliability/durability testing from component to vehicle level.
  • Cross-sector collaboration: OEMs, suppliers, software/cloud providers, mobility operators, grid and infrastructure owners, cities, and regulators coordinate to ensure interoperability, safety, and compliance.
  • Data governance: Secure data collection, OTA update management, privacy compliance, and digital product passports support safe operations and circularity.
  • Business and policy context: Total cost of ownership, uptime, accessibility, emissions targets, safety and cybersecurity regulations, and ESG commitments shape solution design and deployment.

Typical materials and manufacturing methods:

  • Structural and body systems:
    • Materials: Advanced high-strength steels, press-hardened steels, aluminum and magnesium alloys, carbon- and glass-fiber composites, thermoplastic composites, sandwich panels.
    • Methods: Stamping, hot forming, roll forming, extrusion, high-pressure die casting (including large castings), welding (resistance spot, laser, MIG/MAG), friction stir welding, adhesive bonding, self-piercing rivets, clinching, hybrid joining, selective additive manufacturing.
  • Battery systems and enclosures:
    • Materials: Aluminum sheets/extrusions and castings, coated steels, flame-retardant polymers, mica/glass barriers, aerogels, thermal interface and potting materials.
    • Methods: Extrusion and machining, die casting, roll forming, multi-material assembly, laser welding, structural adhesives, sealing and gasketing, module/pack assembly and test.
  • Thermal management and safety:
    • Materials: Graphite and copper heat spreaders, aluminum cold plates, TIMs with ceramic fillers (e.g., BN, AlN), ceramic substrates, intumescent coatings, high-temperature elastomers and foams.
    • Methods: Heat pipes/vapor chambers, brazing, vacuum soldering, conformal cooling, additive manufacturing for complex cooling channels.
  • Power electronics and e-drivetrains:
    • Materials: SiC/GaN devices, DBC/AMB substrates (Al2O3, AlN, Si3N4), high-conductivity copper, electrical steels, permanent-magnet materials, high-temperature polymers and encapsulants.
    • Methods: Wire bonding or sintered die attach, press-fit terminals, SMT/PCB assembly, precision machining, hairpin winding, impregnation and balancing for e-motors, laser welding.
  • Interiors and HMI:
    • Materials: Bio-based and recycled polymers, low-VOC materials, lightweight foams, optical-grade glass and plastics, flexible circuits.
    • Methods: Injection molding, foaming, overmolding, in-mold decoration/electronics, display lamination, automated assembly.
  • Surface engineering and corrosion protection:
    • Methods/materials: E-coat, galvanizing/galvannealing, anodizing, conversion coatings, sealants, edge protection, cathodic protection strategies for mixed-material joints.
  • Infrastructure (charging stations, roadside units):
    • Materials/methods: Corrosion-resistant steels, aluminum, composites, concrete, weatherable polymers; standard electrical and civil-engineering construction and protection practices.
  • Circularity and end-of-life:
    • Practices: Design for disassembly and repair, fastener standardization, component labeling/tracking, mechanical and hydrometallurgical battery recycling, composite recycling (pyrolysis, solvolysis), and remanufacturing.