"We're looking for the supercell!"

During his Master’s in Business Chemistry Tim made his first contacts with the industry. He wrote his doctoral thesis in cooperation with Audi at the Battery Research Center MEET in Münster on lithium-ion cells – his current field of work and one of the future fields in automotive engineering. “When I see one of our e-cars on the road, I get the feeling that this is the beginning of something really big,” says Tim.

As an employee from the very beginning, Tim has been developing battery cells at the Center of Excellence in Salzgitter since 2018. There he is working on the climate-friendly transformation of mobility. “When I heard about the development of the Center of Excellence for Battery Cells, I was immediately enthusiastic. This is a huge opportunity, and I wanted to be part of it from the very beginning,” says the 32-year-old.

“This is a huge opportunity, and I wanted to be part of it from the very beginning.”

Tim Dagger

Since its inception almost three years ago, the Center of Excellence at Volkswagen Group Components has grown to around 300 employees. The experts operate a pilot production, develop innovative cell concepts and manage series projects with cell suppliers. Close by, a joint venture between Volkswagen and Northvolt AB is also preparing the series production of lithium-ion cells. “I find it impressive how much Volkswagen is investing in battery technology and how it is taking a pioneering role as an automotive group in battery cell production in Germany,” says Tim.

Together with his colleagues, Tim is working on the chemistry of future lithium-ion cells. “Of course, we are trying to develop a powerful, cost-effective, sustainably produced supercell,” he says with a smile. At the same time, his knowledge is in demand for today’s car construction. Converting entire factories to e-mobility requires experts who are familiar with the properties of batteries. That’s why experts like Tim are also contacts for the new electric locations.

China is one of the pioneers of e-mobility. Similar to Germany, Volkswagen is also working there on the further development of battery cells. In the future, Tim would like to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an international group and work temporarily for Audi China in Beijing. “In China, e-mobility is much more advanced. Much of what is coming is already part of everyday life there. I would like to experience that and learn from my impressions,” he says.

Currently, work abroad has been postponed due to the corona pandemic. Currently Tim spends a large part of his working time in his home office – and misses his colleagues. “We are a young team. We are all burning for the cause. I am happy to be part of the bigger picture.”

What motivates him the most? Tim ponders for a moment. Then he says: “What we do will have a worldwide impact. The leverage of the Volkswagen Group is enormous. We cell developers are helping to shape the future of sustainable mobility. I am proud that I can make a contribution.”