Mahle Powertrain opens center for battery technologies in Stuttgart

Mahle Powertrain has opened a new test and development center for battery technologies in Stuttgart. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of its European customers. Covering over 1300 square meters, the facility covers all aspects of battery development - from prototype development to small series production. Applications range from e-bikes to electric trucks. The new Stuttgart location of Mahle's specialist engineering services provider complements the recently opened vehicle and battery development center in Northampton, UK. "The facility is already fully operational and we have already successfully completed a number of projects for our OEM partners," says Simon Reader, managing director of Mahle Powertrain.

The test and development center includes a fully equipped prototype workshop. A dual-robot laser welding system enables engineers to process active high-voltage battery modules. It can also test low-voltage and high-voltage battery packs up to 1200 volts and 2000 amps or 550 kW. And two climate chambers, capable of representing temperatures from minus 40 to plus 90 degrees Celsius, enable battery aging tests, including driving cycles under a wide range of climatic conditions. (aum)