Thinking a step further
Dr. Peter Kritzer
Innovations in Electromobility
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops tailor-made products and systems for almost all components of an electric vehicle, including sealing innovations such as:
- Pressure compensation components for traction battery housings
- Profile-to-gasket concept
- Flat gaskets and plug & seals
- Thermal management
- Lightweight construction with electrically and thermally insulating plastics for electric motors
Dr. Peter Kritzer, Senior Application Manager
“Every day, I have the opportunity to help shape the future of the automobile and make mobility environmentally friendly. These are things worth working for,” comments the father of two daughters. His driving force is his almost endless curiosity. “As a child, I was already very interested in technology and the environment, and wanted to get to the bottom of things.” At Freudenberg, the 49-year-old can give free rein to his creativity. “Innovations arise where employees have the opportunity to work together on visions”, said Kritzer.
For him, the most important thing is the exchange of ideas with lateral-thinking colleagues to gain new impulses. Within the Freudenberg Group, he finds endless possibilities to network with exciting people around the world: “As soon as I come across an interesting topic that a team is engaged in, my mind goes to work. For which other business group could the solution be relevant? Or what part of a new technology could we adapt? I want to share my knowledge and encourage others to do the same.” He also gathers ideas at trade fairs outside the industry. “I am unconventional and like to think around corners. To achieve the breakthrough of an idea, you not only need to be willing to take risks, but also have the courage to do things differently.”
More than 100 of his ideas have already ended up in the ‘Ideas pool’, a Freudenberg-wide collection of ideas. Many of them have contributed to new products, including a novel nonwoven fabric that can be used as a separator in lithium-ion batteries. In his current position, he employs his knowledge more than ever in the service of customers. “I support my sales colleagues on the ground and try to go a step further together with them and our customers.” This approach led to the development of the new pressure equalization valve DIAvent, which makes electric vehicles safer, or the ‘profile-to-gasket’ concept. The latter helps to make the production of electric cars more economical, even in smaller numbers.
But constant creativity needs a balance. “When my daughters began to get involved in horseback riding, my wife and I joined in right away. We had no desire to just hang around and wait until the riding lesson was over. Now it has become our shared family hobby and a welcome distraction. It clears the head for new exciting topics.”
