Dr. Eckhard Karden is an independent consultant specializing in low-voltage automotive energy storage systems. Based in Aachen, Germany, he spent over two decades with Ford’s Global Research & Advanced Engineering team (2002–2023), where he bridged academic research, supplier innovation, and vehicle engineering to advance cost-effective, CO₂-saving battery technologies. His work focused on optimizing stop-start systems, brake energy recuperation, and functional safety strategies. As a Technical Expert, Dr. Karden led technology assessments for vehicle electrification and provided insights from starter battery field data to support regional quality teams.

Dr. Karden holds a Diploma in Physics and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, where he has researched battery modeling and monitoring since 1995. He has published extensively, including co-editing a book, contributing to four book chapters, and authoring 25 peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Karden is also an inventor on 19 granted patents. He is a sought-after speaker and session chair at global conferences, including AABC and ELBC. Additionally, he actively contributes to battery standardization groups across Germany, Europe, and internationally, and founded the ALBA workshop series, which he continues to chair.