Technologies for climate-neutral mobility

New technologies such as solid-state batteries, e-fuels, and autonomous vehicles are literally propelling us into the future: they enable clean, connected, and demand-oriented mobility. At the same time, they offer great potential for value-creation and thereby create sustainable jobs in research, development, and production. The High-Tech Agenda Germany is setting the course for climate-friendly and competitive mobility solutions.

Innovations that drive us forward

Technologies for climate-neutral mobility cover a broad spectrum: from powerful batteries for electric cars to electricity and hydrogen-based propulsion systems for ships and aeroplanes to new forms of mobility such as autonomous vehicles, Hyperloop trains and drones. In addition to technical innovations, new developments in material research also play a central role here. They enable a resource-saving and environmentally friendly circular economy. Last but not least, digital solutions, particularly in the field of AI, help to make the mobility of the future intelligent and thus efficient.

Our objectives

The High-Tech Agenda Germany pursues four key objectives in the field of climate-neutral mobility technologies:

1. By 2035, we will establish competitive battery production and recycling in Germany, embedded in a European production network.

2. We are strengthening Germany’s position as a hub of research and development for alternative drive technologies and climate-friendly fuels in Europe. This will make Germany a leading global provider and the largest European technology exporter in the future.

3. We are making Germany the leading market for autonomous driving, strengthening our technological leadership in ground-based transport, aviation, and shipping, and becoming the innovation leader in the marketing and use of new mobility technologies.

4. We are strengthening sustainability and resource conservation in the automotive industry and providing for independence from geopolitical circumstances.

Innovations for climate-neutral mobility unleash great economic potential, including for the German supplier industry. There are still a number of challenges to overcome: high energy and labour costs are worsening Germany’s starting position in a fiercely competitive global market. In addition, we lack important raw materials such as rare earths, for which we are dependent on foreign partners and stable supply chains.

© Adobe Stock/Kalyakan

Our measures

The High-Tech Agenda Germany is addressing these challenges with concrete measures:

We are strengthening battery research by establishing various clusters of expertise in the areas of materials, production, and solid-state batteries. We are integrating research, manufacturing and value-creation more closely by establishing the Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB) as an open gigafactory.

We are promoting the development and production of e-fuels and CCU technologies to decarbonise shipping and aviation. In addition, we are consistently gearing aviation and maritime research towards efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

From 2026 onwards, we will be developing mobility systems of the future in model regions. We are establishing transformation clusters for drone user markets. We are investing heavily in the development of AI and data-based solutions for mobility. We are also supporting the development of a Hyperloop reference track.

At the same time, we are reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers and increasing the sustainability of our mobility industry by investing in research and development of recyclable vehicle components.

Outlook

Technologies for climate-neutral mobility offer enormous opportunities for value-creation and climate protection. Germany has outstanding expertise in the research and production of drive systems. The High-Tech Agenda Germany is paving the way for targeted investments to close gaps in the areas of batteries, materials, and AI, while reducing our dependence on other countries. This will enable Germany to regain its leading position in global competition.