COSBER Technology is a manufacturer specializing in vehicle testing technology and integrated solutions for hydrogen production and storage. Established in 1999, COSBER has evolved into a dynamic and innovative high-tech company with a worldwide reach.
Interview with Rainer Schulin, General Manager of Cosber GmbH.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities.
Rainer Schulin: With a strong presence in over 50 countries, we operate offices and production facilities in China and Germany. Our team of 300 professionals is committed to delivering innovative and efficient products in the fields of vehicle testing technology and hydrogen solutions.
COSBER’s product portfolio includes two main segments. Firstly, we offer state-of-the-art vehicle inspection equipment for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. Our comprehensive range of testing solutions ensures accurate and reliable assessments of vehicle safety, emissions, and performance. With a focus on enhancing road safety and environmental sustainability, we enable our customers to meet regulatory standards and optimize their vehicle operations.
Additionally, COSBER provides innovative green hydrogen storage solutions for residential and commercial buildings. Our advanced technologies enable efficient hydrogen production, storage, and electrification, supporting the transition to a clean and renewable energy future.
At COSBER, we continuously strive to push the boundaries of technological innovation, delivering exceptional products and solutions that provide to the evolving needs of the vehicle inspection and clean energy industries.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
R.S: As I mentioned before, COSBER has two main product segments. With our vehicle inspection equipment and solutions, we have a worldwide presence, with a strong foundation in our domestic market in China. In international markets, we cater to a wide variety of customers, ranging from renowned testing and certification corporations, governments, car manufacturers, vehicle inspection stations, to independent repair workshops. Thanks to our strong manufacturing and R&D capabilities, we can provide our customers with tailored products that align with their specific needs and the regulatory environment in their respective markets. Despite my more than 15 years of experience in the vehicle inspection industry, the diversity in customers and market demands offers my team and me constant opportunities for growth.
With our integrated solutions for hydrogen production and storage for commercial and residential buildings we are mainly targeting the European market through our subsidiary company in Munich, Germany. This strategic decision was made due to the fact that we see the highest potential for new hydrogen applications in the European market. For me it is really amazing to be part of this development of integrating hydrogen in the supply of energy and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
R.S: In the rapidly evolving field of mobility, the shift towards electrification is becoming increasingly prominent. As the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to grow, there is a need for new approaches and products to ensure their safe operation. At our company, we are actively working on developing solutions to specifically inspecting EVs. Our goal is to enhance road safety in response to the growing demand for EVs.
One key aspect of our work involves the development of products designed to test the safety of the charging process. With EVs relying on electric charging systems, it is important to verify that these systems operate securely and efficiently.
Additionally, we are focused on developing comprehensive systems that thoroughly inspect the electronic systems of EVs under simulated driving conditions. This approach allows us to simulate various scenarios and assess how the vehicle’s electronic components perform, ensuring their reliability and stability in real-world driving situations Through our efforts, we aim to stay at the forefront of EV inspection technology.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
R.S: Vehicle Inspection equipment including: brake testers, suspension testers, side slip testers, headlight testers, emission testers and more
Electric Vehicle inspection equipment including: charging system inspection equipment, EV electronic system inspection equipment and more
Chassis Dynamometer including: performance test chassis dynamometers for cars & motorcycles, emission test chassis dynamometers for cars & trucks
Hydrogen Energy Applications: green hydrogen generation, storage & electrification products for buildings
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
R.S: We are a well-known company in the vehicle inspection industry, recognized for our expertise and quality. As a market leader in China and a significant player in the global market, we have established strong international presences, particularly in the Southeast Asian region and Germany.
The worldwide market for vehicle inspection equipment is experiencing growth, driven by the ever-increasing number of vehicles globally and the rising adoption of mandatory inspection programs by various countries. With our diverse range of products and advanced research and development capabilities, we are well-equipped to fulfill the diverse equipment and IT requirements of almost every market.
Regarding hydrogen we are relatively new to the market, but we are actively working towards establishing ourselves as one of the market leaders in Europe for Green Hydrogen solutions for buildings. Our strategy involves significant investments in research and development to enhance the efficiency of our products, as well as marketing efforts. As the hydrogen market is experiencing overall growth, we will grow alongside with it.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
R.S: In the vehicle inspection market, there has been a surge in the adoption of automation and computerization to streamline the inspection process and combat fraud. Key trends include the integration of technologies such as name plate recognition cameras, real-time transmission of inspection results to authorities, and automated inspection procedures. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on stricter regulations for emission tests, for example the introduction of new equipment like the mandatory particle counter for Euro 6 vehicles in Germany.
Another significant development is the ongoing exploration of new methods for inspecting electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, there is no mandated testing procedure in any country worldwide for EVs. However, in my opinion China and Europe will be the first regions to implement mandatory inspection frameworks for EVs.
In the field of green hydrogen, there is a visible rise in both demand and the development of new technologies. This surge is closely linked to the widespread adoption of renewable energies, particularly photovoltaic systems. As renewable energy sources continue to expand, there is a growing need for efficient energy storage solutions to address the issue of surplus energy during peak production. In this context, green hydrogen emerges as one of the most promising long-term storage mediums.
Given its potential, the demand for green hydrogen storage solutions is on the rise. As renewable energy use accelerates, the need to store and utilize excess energy becomes increasingly important. Green hydrogen offers a viable solution for storing renewable energy and meeting energy demands when supply fluctuates. As a result, the demand for green hydrogen storage solutions continues to grow
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
R.S: Our most innovative product is the Smart H2 Energy Platform a green hydrogen-based energy storage and generation system designed for buildings. It provides users all year long with a stable, decentralized, and CO2-free energy supply for their homes, multi-family houses, or commercial properties by combining renewable energies as a source of energy generation and green hydrogen as an energy storage medium. The excess energy generated, from a photovoltaic system on sunny summer days, is stored as green hydrogen and used during the dark winter months to provide electricity and heat. The SMART H2 Energy Platform incorporates the most advanced technologies for energy storage and generation. Its modular design allows for high customization based on user needs and circumstances. The platform main components are a photovoltaic inverter, a PEM electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage system, a fuel cell and a lithium battery storage unit. By combining two energy storage technologies (lithium batteries for short-term storage and green hydrogen for long-term storage), COSBER’S SMART H2 Energy Platform offers CO2-free and decentralized energy when needed.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
R.S: In 2023, we attended the Hannover Messer 2023, showcasing our Smart H2 Energy Platform to an international audience and receiving excellent feedback. Next, we’re excited to participate in the hy-fcell event in Stuttgart, Germany (13-14.09.2023, Halle 4, Stand 4B53). We have ambitious plans to implement more green hydrogen projects in the upcoming months. Additionally, we’re experiencing growth in the vehicle inspection market and expect further projects soon. We’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.