Digitalization and AI Accelerate the Transformation of Drive Technology
26th International VDI Dritev Congress on June 30 and July 1, 2026, at the Kongresshaus Baden-Baden
(Duesseldorf, March 17, 2026)
The transformation of drive technology is in full swing — and is gaining further momentum thanks to new technologies, digitalization, and the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence. The 26th International VDI Dritev Congress on June 30 and July 1, 2026, will bring the international drive community together in Baden-Baden. Experts and decision-makers from OEMs and the supplier industry, as well as renowned representatives from academia and research, use this annual event to exchange ideas and experiences.
As the leading international congress for electrified drivetrains, systems, components, and processes, Dritev sheds light on the industry’s pressing challenges — from regulations and climate targets to global crises and volatile supply chains. In approximately 50 high-level keynote speeches and technical presentations, the congress, led by Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Pfund, focuses on current topics, technologies, and trends.
The lineup of keynote speakers includes renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Hans Uszkoreit (Scientific Director, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence), Dr. Thomas Hueck (Chief Economist, Robert Bosch GmbH), Dr.-Ing. Udo Scheff (President, KREISEL Electric GmbH), Dr. Otmar Scharrer (Head of R&D Powertrain Technologies, ZF Friedrichshafen AG), Björn Conrad (CEO & Co-Founder, Sinolytics), and Derek de Bono (Software Defined Vehicle Vice President, Valeo).
Focus on Modern Drive Concepts
In an interdisciplinary manner, Dritev addresses the entire drivetrain chain — from powertrain systems to transmissions. This includes classic drive concepts as well as the latest developments in electric motors, inverters, batteries, and fuel cells. In addition, experts will discuss how digitalization and AI can further accelerate the transformation of drive technology in the future.
Key topics at this year’s Dritev include:
- Vehicle powertrain systems from 48V MHEV to 800V BEV
- Highly efficient electric powertrain systems and components
- Digitalization, AI, intelligent control
- System integration and NVH
- Sustainability and CO2 neutrality
- Transmission systems, fluids, and components
Platform for the International Drive Community
The VDI Dritev Congress is also an important gathering place for the international drive community, offering opportunities for networking and exchange between vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Popular formats include the Speaker’s Corner and the exclusive evening event, the “Dritev Summer Night,” on June 30, 2026, at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden. In the trade exhibition accompanying the congress, around 60 international companies will present technical solutions and products. The Auto Salon showcases new vehicle concepts and forward-looking drive technologies.
Parallel VDI Conference on Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines
Participants can also attend the 9th International VDI Conference “Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines” free of charge alongside Dritev. The parallel conference focuses on innovative powertrain solutions for sustainable and digitalized mobile machines. Both conferences will also begin with joint plenary presentations.
Registration and program at https://www.vdiconference.com/dritev/ or via the VDI Wissensforum Customer Center, P.O. Box 10 11 39, 40002 Dusseldorf, e-mail: wissensforum@vdi.de, phone: +49 211 6214-201, fax: -154.
Press Accreditation and Social Media
A visit to Baden-Baden is also worthwhile for journalists. Accreditation is already possible at: https://www.vdiconference.com/dritev/press/
Regular updates, interesting news and highlights from Dritev are available on LinkedIn at https://de.linkedin.com/showcase/dritev.
About VDI Wissensforum GmbH
We have been a partner in continuing education for engineers and technical specialists and managers since 1957. We cover almost every technical discipline in more than 2,600 congresses, conferences, technical forums, courses and seminars every year. Soft skills and management round off our portfolio. Every year, more than 37,000 participants undergo training and further education with the help of our courses.
Your contact for press relations:
Justine Otto | Phone: +49 211 6214-394 | E-mail: justine.otto@vdi.de
Romina Nikolic | Phone: +49 211 6214-908 | E-mail: nikolic@vdi.de