Leading global automobile component and technology supplier Bosch is collaborating with its fellow tech juggernaut IBM on “strategic quantum computing,” as per Electrek.
Thomas Kropf, the head of Bosch Research, stated:
“Quantum computing supports the targeted use of resources and thus can be an important building block to achieve climate and sustainability targets.”
The problem that the partnership is trying to address
The shortage of essential earth minerals required in EV batteries and motors significantly hinders the adoption of electric vehicles. Notably, these essential materials include nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
The problem is steadily rising as the biggest economies in the world campaign for electrification to achieve their net-zero emission targets. Consequently, it will further increase the demand for the limited minerals.
In addition, stringent standards for EV battery construction and material procurement are laid out in the US’ newly passed Inflation Reduction Act to be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit.
Thus, the question of how to close the supply gap arises.
Partnership’s commitments
Bosch and IBM are collaborating to examine which materials may have replacements or at least “partial substitutes” by simulating various models on quantum supercomputers.
It is also worth noting that Bosch wants to use mineral alternatives to hasten the electric vehicle rollout.
The abovementioned plan follows an announcement that the American company has transformed a building once used to construct diesel powertrain components into an area for producing electric car motors. As per the report, it is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bosch will use IBM’s quantum computing technology and expertise in quantum algorithms. In return, Bosch will offer its materials simulation and mass production expertise.
The two companies have begun coordinating by building the groundwork for cutting-edge procedures and algorithms. Therefore, it permits material designs created by computers.
Thomas Kropf, the head of Bosch Research, explained:
“For Bosch, materials for applications in the fields of electromobility, renewable energies and sensor technology play a particularly prominent role here.”
By creating substitutes for these components, it will be possible to hasten the rollout while maintaining reasonable costs.
VP of IBM Quantum Adoption and Business Development Scott Crowder continues:
“Even simple models of real materials tend to quickly become intractable for classical computers to simulate. That’s why Bosch’s collaboration with IBM, as well as the extended IBM Quantum Network on quantum computing research is so important. We will work together on addressing a wide range of materials science problems, in the fields of electromobility, renewable energy and sensor technology.”
Bosch CEO Dr. Stefan Hartung also announced the business’ interest in “new magnets for electric motors that are lighter, more compact, more efficient, and more readily available.”
Notably, these new developments “promise to be more environmentally friendly than rare earths.”
If the two companies successfully develop substitutes, it will encourage lower EV costs by making it simpler for automakers to procure. Therefore, it will expand the market for consumers looking for low-emission transportation solutions.
