Valmet Automotive has significantly expanded its battery testing capabilities, culminating in a second major expansion of its Battery Test Center (BTC) in Bad Friedrichshall, Germany. This facility, now one of the most advanced in the industry, serves the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors and is central to Valmet Automotive’s EV Systems business line. Over the past five years, the company has invested approximately EUR 15 million into the Bad Friedrichshall site, which now includes an enhanced test bench capacity, a new warehouse, and a logistics center. These upgrades allow the BTC to offer comprehensive services such as performance, service life, thermal management, and environmental tests, as well as quality assurance for battery production. Site Manager Stefan Sommer emphasized that these developments will enhance product development and series production support, with further investments planned to expand service and analysis activities.
In alignment with its strategic shift, Valmet Automotive aims to focus more on its own products for buses, trucks, and off-highway machinery, like those used in agriculture, mining, and forestry. The company introduced the Modular Power Pack over two years ago and recently launched the Energy Pack concept to cater to these sectors, which have different performance requirements compared to the automotive industry. These requirements, reflected in rigorous battery testing for performance and durability under extreme conditions, are well-supported by the enhanced capabilities of the BTC. Future plans include further investments at the Weihenbronn site to expand technology testing and product safety assurance capacities, reinforcing Valmet Automotive’s commitment to advancing battery technology across diverse industries.
