Alternative Mobility wins Innovation Award in Seoul

The Alternative Mobility GmbH (AM) from Ahrensburg, a specialist in the electrification of public transport, won the "International Prize for Hightech and Innovation" in Seoul in October for its groundbreaking solution: Competing against 280 applicants from around the world, the northern German company prevailed at this prestigious event, organized by the South Korean government and celebrated in a global ceremony in Seoul Smart City. In his speech, Seoul's mayor and patron of the event, Oh Se-hoon, emphasized South Korea's commitment to achieving the Paris climate goals.

Second Award

The electrification specialists from Northern Germany impressed with their innovative approach to converting heavy diesel vehicles to electric drive, with a particular focus on buses. In Northern Germany, AM's electric buses have proven their efficiency and reliability in continuous operation as reference projects for years.

In March 2024, AM already won a competition in Taiwan, with the award officially announced at the World Climate Conference in Dubai in December 2023. As Taiwan faces regulatory challenges in vehicle conversions, AM took the opportunity to present its concept at Future Mobility Asia in Bangkok in May 2024, where the company encountered promising interest from both the private sector and relevant authorities in Thailand.

Tested Conversion Kits

The approach of AM reduces the consumption of "grey energy" by extending the lifespan of existing vehicles, which can continue to be operated for decades after conversion. Only a battery change is required every ten years. The company supplies tested conversion kits from the German automotive industry and enables local partners to retrofit and maintain the vehicles independently.

"This makes our concept highly scalable while simultaneously creating local jobs," explains Dr. Al Damrawy, CEO of AM.

In view of the limited German subsidies for operators to support the conversion of buses from diesel to electric drive, Damrawy recognized the need to expand internationally to bring German technology to developing countries. The company follows the strategy "think globally, act locally" and creates a win-win situation for all involved by empowering local partners.

Active in Negotiations with Partners in Thailand and Italy

The competition in Seoul was tough, but under Damrawy's leadership, AM succeeded in convincing an international jury of mobility and technology experts from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the USA, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries. Following this victory, the CEO is actively negotiating with partners in Thailand and Italy, pursuing not only large-scale opportunities but also overcoming administrative hurdles such as vehicle approval.

The award led to widespread media coverage in several Asian countries, where numerous interviews highlighted AM's innovative approach. The conversion kits include recycled batteries made from lithium, cobalt, and nickel, marketed under the label LiFePO4. These batteries are non-toxic, have a lifespan of around ten years, are heat-resistant, and support fast charging.