Automotive technology shifts toward electromobility and battery diagnostics

The automotive aftermarket is undergoing significant technological shifts driven by electromobility, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. At the Automechanika Frankfurt trade fair, industry experts noted that the global automotive aftermarket is projected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2026, fueled by longer vehicle lifespans and the rise of independent parts markets.

As vehicles integrate more complex electronic systems, traditional service equipment is reaching its limits. New requirements include advanced battery testing, monitoring, and diagnostics. In response to these needs, researchers from Fraunhofer IIS and Hochschule München have developed a non-destructive X-ray inspection method called AIR. This technology allows for the examination of electric vehicle battery packs without disassembly.

The AIR system uses an X-ray source and detector to scan the battery, while specialized software automatically analyzes the images. It can identify geometric deviations, such as displaced, deformed, or swollen cells in cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch formats. This method provides critical mechanical data to complement existing electrical State of Health (SoH) assessments, a capability recently tested using a Volkswagen ID.3.