Ferrari, University of Bologna, and NXP inaugurate new E-Cells Lab

Italian sportscar major, Ferrari, has collaborated with University of Bologna and NXP to inaugurate E-Cells Lab for Electrochemical Research. The inauguration of the E-Cells Lab, a research center for electrochemistry at the University of Bologna, took place on March 8, 2024.

Established under the university’s scientific direction, the laboratory is dedicated to advancing knowledge of the materials, chemical properties, and physical characteristics of lithium cells.

The collaboration between Ferrari, the University of Bologna, and technology partner NXP underscores a significant milestone in electrochemical research. Ferrari has played a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the laboratory, facilitating the exchange of expertise and resources with the university and its partners. The project holds immense value for the local community and the automotive industry as a whole, the company shared.

The E-Cells Lab boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for conducting advanced analyses, made possible through the collaboration with the University of Bologna. The research outcomes will be shared with NXP, a leading electronics company, to explore potential applications and innovations. This multi-faceted collaboration is expected to attract additional partners in the future, further enhancing the breadth and impact of the research.

"E-Cells Lab represents an exciting beginning and demonstrates our commitment to education and research. The project also reflects the importance that the confluence between the academic and business worlds has always had for us," said Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari. "Today, from this confluence comes a laboratory that will make an important contribution to studies in the field of electrochemistry, generating innovation in our local area and building the skills of the future."

The Chancellor of the University of Bologna, Giovanni Molari, commented: “I am pleased that Ferrari has chosen the Alma Mater for this important project in scientific and educational innovation. I’m sure that this collaboration will be fruitful and herald significant results. This agreement encapsulates many characteristic facets of the Alma Mater: the will to remain at the cutting edge of both teaching and research; dialogue with the Italy’s most important public and private institutions; the desire to promote new synergies that can act as a model and a driver for key areas in our collective development.”

“Close collaboration across industry and academia allows us to accelerate the research on safe, efficient and sustainable battery innovations significantly,” said Jens Hinrichsen, EVP and GM of Advanced Analog at NXP. “Through the combined efforts of NXP, Ferrari and University of Bologna, we expect to set new benchmarks for performance and sustainability to reach our common goal of a greener, brighter future.”

Comprising two distinct areas, the laboratory focuses on both the preparation of electrochemical materials and the analysis of their properties. Special emphasis is placed on solid-state technology, fast charging, thermal charging, cell safety, and performance optimization. The findings will inform Ferrari's efforts to establish effective communication channels with its cell suppliers, with the ultimate goal of enhancing battery performance at its Maranello manufacturing plants.