Logistics

Logistics

Battery deliveries for electric cars  

Automation of supply process helps with ENYAQ iV and OCTAVIA iV model production

oth the new fully electric SUV and the plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s bestseller are produced on the same line in Hall M13. This means that, every day, 350 batteries of three different types weighing up to 700 kilogrammes each must be supplied for the ENYAQ iV and up to 180 batteries for the OCTAVIA iV. However, with such a high supply frequency, there cannot be any sequencing confusion. “We opted for FTS trucks (from the German “Fahrerlose Transportsysteme”, or driverless transport systems – ed.), whose benefits include automatic collection from the gravity conveyor and installation cycle conversion”, says David Strnad, Head of PL – Brand Logistics. “A total of six automated machines transport the batteries. They can supply the assembly line continuously”, adds Stanislav Jindra from the PLL-F – Vehicle Logistics Planning. For the first time ever, such a solution allows a direct supply to the installation cycle without any assembly line pre-supply. The risk of damaging the battery and its handling technology on the assembly line has also decreased significantly. The scanning of the individual batteries before loading them on the FTS truck greatly minimised any potential for downtimes or confusion over the parts. In addition, laser scanners guide the trucks, so it is not necessary to attach any guiding magnetic tapes to the floors. The employees of the PF1-I – In-House Logistics MB I and PPF-M – Assembly Shop Planning and the CEIT truck supplier also participated in the planning and executing the solution. ED