Behind the Wheel: Frank Kindermann, the Head of Battery Systems at the Europe branch of NIO

Techne Connect

Frank’s background is in electrical engineering, which he studied at the Technical University of Munich. In his final semester in 2010, he was fortunate that battery research was experiencing a resurgence at German universities, leading him to shift his focus from biomedical engineering to battery engineering. In addition to earning his diploma (the equivalent of a master’s degree), Frank went on to pursue a PhD in battery cell modelling, with a particular emphasis on aging behaviour and effects.

During his PhD studies, Frank Kindermann gained experience as a project manager and lecturer at TUM, but his industrial career is where he made his most significant impact. He began at AUDI as a Technical Project Lead in cell development, overseeing the coordination of all aspects of the process, from supplier management to internal progress and release reporting.

In October 2022, Frank joined the European technical centre of NIO, a renowned Chinese premium EV manufacturer known for its battery-swapping technology. As Head of Battery System Europe, he has since built a team of over 10 people, overseeing battery hardware and software development projects across Europe.

We also talk about the changes we will see in the Automotive Industry, the external influences on the EV sector, and the importance of following your passion.