MAHLE Powertrain has inaugurated an advanced battery development centre in Stuttgart, Germany, catering specifically to the requirements of its European clientele.
Encompassing an extensive area of 1,300 square metres, the facility is fully equipped to handle every phase of battery development, spanning from initial prototyping to limited-scale production. Its diverse capabilities extend across a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from small e-bikes to large electric trucks. Notably, this establishment follows the establishment of a vehicle and battery development centre at the company’s Northampton site, which commenced operations last year.
Simon Reader, Managing Director of MAHLE Powertrain, expressed, 'In response to the burgeoning demand for our expertise in designing, developing, testing, and optimising batteries for electric vehicles, we are delighted to announce the inauguration of this new facility, which aims to provide comprehensive support to our clients within the European automotive industry. The centre is fully operational and has successfully undertaken multiple projects for our esteemed OEM partners. We have designed the facility with future expansion in mind, with plans for additional services and increased capacity already underway.'
The state-of-the-art facility encompasses a fully-fledged prototype shop, boasting a cutting-edge dual-robot laser welding station adept at managing active HV battery modules. Additionally, it features a comprehensive test department capable of examining both low- and high-voltage packs, accommodating a maximum of 1200V, 2000A, or 550kW. Equipped with two climatic chambers, the testing capabilities range from temperatures as low as -40°C to as high as +90°C, facilitating a comprehensive array of aging, electrical, and thermal tests. The centre also replicates simulated driving cycles in rigorous environments, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards through the incorporation of self-extinguishing workbenches and water drop tanks.
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