Mahle Powertrain has opened a new battery development centre in Stuttgart, Germany.

The new facility follows the creation of a vehicle and battery development centre at the company’s Northampton site, which opened last year.

The Stuttgart centre will cater for the needs of its European clients.

Mahle says it can accommodate all aspects of battery development, from initial prototyping through to small-scale production, with a breadth of capability that covers applications from small e-bikes to large electric trucks.

“In response to growing demand for our expertise in the design, development, testing and optimization of batteries for electric vehicles, we’re delighted to be opening another new facility to support our clients within the European automotive industry,” said Simon Reader, Mahle Powertrain’s Managing Director. “The centre is up and running having completed a number of projects for OEM partners. We have designed the facility with future expansion in mind, with additional services and increased capacity already in the planning stages.”

The facility comprises a fully-featured prototype shop that includes a dual-robot laser welding station capable of handling active HV battery modules.

A comprehensive test department, capable of testing low- and high-voltage packs up to a maximum of 1200V, 2000A, or 550kW, incorporates two climatic chambers that operate from ‑40°C to +90°C for a full scope of ageing, electrical and thermal tests. The facility can also replicate simulated driving cycles in harsh environments, while self-extinguishing workbenches and water drop tanks ‘maintain the highest standards of safety.’