Automotive Battery - Trends, Technologies and Expert Insights

The battery is at the heart of the electric vehicle – technically, economically and strategically. It defines range, charging performance, safety, vehicle architecture and customer acceptance. At the same time, the automotive battery ecosystem is moving fast: new cell chemistries, high-voltage architectures, smarter battery management systems, advanced thermal concepts and stricter safety and sustainability requirements are reshaping how batteries are designed, produced, used and recycled.

This digital format combines two perspectives: concrete industrial insights from our editorial team and industry expert Peter Gresch, and a focused panel discussion linked to the Automotive Battery International Conference.

Participants gain an overview of developments in high-voltage battery design, BMS performance, fast charging, 800-volt systems, thermal management, standards, recycling and second-life concepts.

The session is designed for everyone who wants to understand where automotive battery technology is heading – and what this means for OEMs, suppliers, engineering teams and the wider e-mobility value chain.

Why attending is worth your time

• Get a compact overview of the most relevant trends in automotive battery technology.

• Learn from expert presentations on high-voltage batteries, BMS, charging, thermal management, safety and sustainability.

• Gain first-hand insights into key topics from the Automotive Battery International Conference.

• Hear how battery experts assess current challenges, market dynamics and technology roadmaps.

• Understand how battery decisions affect range, performance, safety, costs and vehicle architecture.

• Discover practical impulses for OEMs, suppliers, engineering teams and decision-makers in e-mobility.

• Combine sponsor insights with a focused expert panel in one efficient digital format.

Timeline

0:00:00   -   Welcome & Introduction by our editorial team from all-electronics
0:21:13   -   Introduction to our Automotive Battery International Conference
0:31:23   -   Roundtable discussion with keynote speakers from the conference
1:18:48   -   Summary and Invitation

Moderation

Our theme day will be presented by Dr.-Ing. Nicole Ahner from our editorial team.
She began studying Electrical Engineering at Chemnitz University of Technology in 2000, specializing in microelectronics with a particular focus on the technologies used in electronic circuit manufacturing. After graduating with a diploma in 2006, she joined the Center for Microtechnologies at Chemnitz University of Technology and Fraunhofer ENAS as a research associate and doctoral candidate.

She earned her doctorate in engineering in 2012 and continued her career in research and development. In 2016, Dr.-Ing. Nicole Ahner joined Hüthig, later Hüthig Medien, as an editor for the trade publications elektronik industrie and Automobil-Elektronik, as well as the all-electronics online portal. Since late 2023, she has served as editorial director of both magazines.

Our Guests

Peter Gresch

… is our first guest and co-moderator. Since 2019, he is Chairman of the Automotive Battery Conference, and also supports many other of our Automotive Events at Ultima Media, such as ChargeTec (Munich) and Charging Battery ASEAN (Singapore & Bangkok) for many years now. Since 2005, he is Board Member at ZVEI "Themen Plattform Automotive" and, since 2006, Chairman and moderator at electronica Automotive Conference in Munich. In his everyday life, Peter is Managing Partner of JPW Asia Consulting (Singapore), CEO and owner of PGUB Management Consultants GmbH, and Executive Consultant Automotive EE at OptE GP Consulting. Former positions included various functions in Automotive / EE at Opel, Hella, or Delphi Delco Electronics.

At our theme day, he will present some insights into the event Automotive Battery Conference and moderate the following panel discussion with chosen speakers from the upcoming event.

Dr.-Ing. Joachim Damasky

… was born in Gießen in 1961 and studied electrical engineering at TU Darmstadt. After completing his doctorate in 1995, he held positions including Product Division Head at Hella KGaA in Lippstadt and Commercial Managing Director of Behr Hella Service GmbH in Schwäbisch Hall. From August 2008 to September 2015, he served on the Management Board of Webasto SE (formerly Webasto AG), with responsibility for the Thermo and Comfort business division. From May 2016 to June 2022, he was Managing Director responsible for Vehicle Technology & Eco-System at the VDA. Since July 2022, Dr. Damasky has worked as Senior Advisor for Corporate and Governmental Affairs at BMW AG in Munich. Since February 2024, he serves as Managing Director of LION Smart.

Nico Münch

… holds more then 15 years automotive experience in EU, US and CN. He worked 11 years for Webasto and built up the batteries business from 2016 to 2023 before moving to Rimac. Within Rimac he held multiple positions, responsible for Strategy at the Rimac Group, before taking over his current position as Senior Director Program Management (and Sales), responsible for all projects within Rimac Technology.

Christoph Riester

… is a Senior engineering executive with 25+ years of experience in automotive systems, energy storage and interior development. After graduating in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace), he started as an engineering analyst at Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann. In 1998, he changed to Dräxlmaier where he still serves today. He holds a proven track record in leading global technical organizations, driving innovation in high voltage battery systems and delivering patented solutions for premium OEMs. Additionnally, he is recognized for building international teams, securing strategic projects and aligning engineering excellence with corporate sustainability goals. Since May 2025, he serves at Dräxlmaier with two top positions: VP Technical Engineering CAE, Verification & Validation and Chief Engineer Battery Systems.