The Institute of Vehicle Concepts

Vision

We are shaping the mobility of tomorrow – climate-friendly, affordable and user-friendly.

We contribute to solving the major social problems as topics such as digitalisation, climate protection or accessibility will become even more relevant in the future.

This makes it all the more important that the mobility of the future is people-oriented and is user-friendly. At the same time, we also take the needs of the economy into account..

We continuously integrate scientific findings  into our research and design activities.. As a result, mobility is continuously in line with the latest findings and requirements.

Our vision is an efficient and effective mobility – based on renewable energy sources, energy storage and advanced construction methods and material applications as well as resource-saving lightweight construction for road and rail vehicles.

Mission

We act on the basis of three principles: Protecting the climate – Securing mobility – Successful transformation of modes of transport

For the demands that the transport system will face tomorrow, the solutions must be created today. That is why ...

... we define and analyse forward-looking concepts for ground-based freight and passenger transport and their integration into multi-modal transport chains
... we integrate digital technologies into vehicles and significantly advance their interfaces to the infrastructure
... we research sustainable materials, manufacturing processes and key technologies
... we provide the necessary knowledge

People and technology inspire us. Out of this enthusiasm, we formulate our own claim: to continuously expand our knowledge and to identify new developments and trends at an early stage. On this basis we contribute to shaping the mobility of tomorrow in a meaningful way. And since we live in a state of permanent change, we are also continuously thinking ahead for road and rail.

We bring something new to road and rail – and also think beyond that.

We work on research topics related to mobility and establish the interface between people, transport, energy and the environment. In doing so, we act in a holistically and systemic manner – from conception to the research vehicle.

Our designs, constructions and simulations are related to following areas of our work:

• Innovative concepts for road and rail vehicles
• Alternative or even disruptive concepts that use rail and road in an unconventional way
• Advancements in propulsion and energy technologies
• Optimisation in the areas of vehicle architecture and materials engineering

We shape the future based on partnership

Together, we can achieve more: That is why we are developing our knowledge and expertise in collaboration with more than 20 other DLR institutes, but also with many national and international research and development partners as well as stakeholders from politics and industry. In this way, we contribute to industrial competitiveness in Germany through innovations and technology transfers.

The Institute of Vehicle Concepts is integrated at the DLR sites in Stuttgart and Berlin and has branch offices in Cologne and Ilmenau.