The automotive supplier presents hybrid systems, range extenders, ethanol-compatible engines, and thermal management innovations while urging EU policy changes to support sustainable internal combustion alongside electrification efforts.
23 Jul 2025 | 708 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
At this year’s IAA Mobility event in Munich, automotive supplier Mahle is highlighting its continued focus on technology diversity as a strategic approach to reducing CO₂ emissions. The company is showcasing a range of solutions including hybrid drive systems, range extenders, ethanol-compatible engine components, and innovations in thermal management aimed ...
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At this year’s IAA Mobility event in Munich, automotive supplier Mahle is highlighting its continued focus on technology diversity as a strategic approach to reducing CO₂ emissions. The company is showcasing a range of solutions including hybrid drive systems, range extenders, ethanol-compatible engine components, and innovations in thermal management aimed at improving the efficiency of electric vehicles.
Mahle CEO Arnd Franz reaffirmed the company’s support for electrification while advocating for a broader regulatory framework that includes sustainable internal combustion engines and renewable fuels. At the Mahle Tech Day in Stuttgart, Franz called for an urgent revision of European CO₂ legislation to ensure technology neutrality in climate policies. He stressed that such an approach is vital not only for climate goals but also for maintaining jobs and industrial capabilities in Europe.
To support its decarbonization goals, Mahle has expanded its product offerings beyond battery-electric vehicles to include technologies such as hybrid systems and range extenders. The company projects increasing global demand for electric vehicles equipped with range extenders, particularly in markets like China, and expects annual growth of 15 percent in this segment through 2030.
Mahle also emphasized the importance of renewable fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen, noting that they could significantly accelerate decarbonization, especially across existing vehicle fleets. The company claims its current technologies already enable the use of these fuels without significant modifications.
On display at IAA Mobility are several new systems, including a high-efficiency range extender offering up to 1,350 km of range, a compact thermal management module with an integrated heat pump capable of improving electric vehicle range by up to 20 percent, and a low-noise, energy-efficient bionic radial blower for HVAC systems, developed using AI-driven design.
In addition to product innovations, Mahle has implemented structural changes aimed at improving internal efficiency and regional responsiveness. Its ongoing “Back on Track 2025” program focuses on cost control, energy-saving initiatives, and the expanded use of artificial intelligence to enhance production and development processes.
Franz warned that continued restrictions on internal combustion engines could lead Mahle to reconsider investments in sustainable combustion technologies within Europe. He reiterated that a balanced, multi-technology path is essential for achieving climate targets while supporting economic stability in the automotive sector.
Mahle’s presentation at IAA Mobility underscores its commitment to combining electrification with other viable solutions to support the transition to low-emission mobility. The company continues to invest in technologies aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and supporting diverse regulatory and consumer needs globally.