Scania’s new €15.5 million 1000m2 battery lab is now up and running.
“With a battery factory close to our assembly line almost in place, and a test track optimised for electric and autonomous vehicles on its way, a battery lab at our Research & Development facility was on the wish list. And now it is a reality,” the company said.
“It was truly demanding to try and specify the needs we have today when the construction began a few years back,” said Håkan Örnhed, head of test cell operation battery/e-components at Scania.
The facility consists of three 250m2 test halls for battery cells, modules and packs, and each area has its own fire compartment for safety. “The purpose of the lab is to test battery cells, as well as modules, and packs. We look at our customers’ needs, and apply the modular mindset that runs through all of our operations to make the most cost efficient solution,” said project manager Lisa Forsell.
The new battery laboratory complements a smaller facility with a climatic chamber for battery pack testing. With this lab, Scania can test the performance of battery packs on operational electric trucks and buses without removing batteries. Vehicles are parked close to the lab and connected to testing equipment.
The lab can carry out tests on 170 objects simultaneously.
The laboratory primarily focuses on battery performance and lifespan evaluation in varying climate conditions from -40°C to 70°C. Engineers examine and identify the best operational conditions for the battery, considering things such as temperature setpoint, state of charge window and charging power profile for tailored utilisation in optimising battery life and customer needs.
