Rockwell Automation announces opening of new Electric Vehicle Innovation Center

Rockwell Automation, a leading solutions and services provider to the automotive industry, has opened a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Innovation Center within its Information Solutions development facility in San Jose, California. The center will provide live manufacturing demonstrations, hands-on trials using new technology and events showcasing collaboration with industry experts and Rockwell Automation partners.

John Kacsur, vice president, Automotive and Tire Industries, Rockwell Automation said: “With growing global consumer demand, electric vehicle companies are challenged to meet aggressive production timelines. We established the Electric Vehicle Innovation Center to expand their possibilities and get their products to consumers quickly and at the lowest possible cost, while operating more efficiently.”

The EV Innovation Center provides automotive start-ups and established manufacturers an environment to learn new technologies and standards, enabling them to deliver electric vehicles to market faster, with less risk and at lower cost, Rockwell Automation said.

“It’s an immersive experience that helps customers develop and realize The Connected Enterprise — our vision for smart manufacturing that enables customers to leverage data and achieve positive business outcomes,” said Kacsur. “With over 4,000 successfully designed, installed and commissioned automotive manufacturing projects, Rockwell Automation knows how to help EV manufacturers get to market faster and better manage enterprise risks.”

By 2040, Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects 54% of new vehicle sales will be electric vehicles. Batteries currently represent a third of the cost of an EV. As battery costs continue to fall, demand for EVs will increase by up to 40 million new EV batteries needed annually to power new vehicles.