Preparing existing automotive factories to assemble electric cars requires comprehensive modernization. Certainly, this was the case at Volkswagen’s assembly plant in Zwickau, Germany. Opened in 1990, the factory was completely converted to production of electric cars in 2019. It now assembles the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, as well as the Audi Q4 e-tron. Volkswagen expects the plant eventually to churn out some 330,000 electric vehicles per year.
Dürr Systems Inc. played a major role in reconfiguring the plant to produce electric vehicles. The automation specialist designed and built several systems to ensure efficient assembly. Dürr provided input on every aspect of the assembly process, from the start of the line to the end-of-line test stands and the software for final assembly. The highlights of the system include: