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A new battery testing resource reinforces TÜV SÜD’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, the company says
TÜV SÜD has inaugurated a new, cutting-edge environmental laboratory in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The facility demonstrates the company’s dedication to advancing quality and performance standards in electric vehicle battery and system solutions. TÜV SÜD is renowned for its third-party independent battery testing in North America since 2009, and this new laboratory will cater to the expanding EV market and increasing battery sizes.
“We want to be the customer’s supplier and partner of choice. We want them to come to us for our quality and experience and our ability to recognize what they need and implement a solution for them,” stated TÜV SÜD America’s transportation testing services’ business line director, Jonathan Drew. “We are not a menu-based or cookie-cutter type of test lab. We work with our customers on their needs to get their products validated and onto the market. That is our goal.”
The laboratory’s creation has also contributed to job growth in southeast Michigan, bolstering the state’s economy and securing a robust future for the automotive and mobility workforce. The company expresses gratitude to its partners, including the state of Michigan, for their support in the project.
Sustainability is a core principle for TÜV SÜD and the new laboratory exemplifies this commitment. The EV lab runs on 100% clean energy through the MIGreenPower program, and the facility’s design and construction incorporate environmentally friendly features, such as tree planting on-site, regionally sourced materials and LED lighting.
TÜV SÜD places significant emphasis on precise testing methodologies and procedures aligned with international standards to ensure accurate and reliable results. The new facility in Auburn Hills is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for comprehensive battery testing and environmental evaluations. This includes an 80,000ft2 lab capable of handling batteries up to 1,200V/1,000AW, a large electro-dynamic vibration table, and the ability to conduct fire testing indoors. The lab also houses five indoor safety/abuse bunkers constructed with steel-reinforced concrete, ensuring the highest sustainability standards.
Recognizing the critical importance of safety and reliability in EV battery systems, TÜV SÜD aims to meet the growing market demand for EV battery testing. The EV battery industry has attracted significant investments, reaching over US$400bn in the last decade, with approximately US$100bn invested since the beginning of 2020. With its state-of-the-art laboratory, TÜV SÜD seeks to support the transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for the mobility industry.
“The number one strategy has been listening to our customers. Every contact with the customer is an opportunity to learn how the industry is developing. We are at the forefront of what the major players in North America are working on. Beyond informal communication, we have done voice of the customer work such as surveys and targeted interviews. Another strategy is to rely on the strength of our global reach. We have transportation labs – including battery labs – in Europe, Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, and North America. This gives us an advantage when tracking the legal, regulatory and technological trends within the industry. Most of the major suppliers are global players that appreciate the scope of TÜV SÜD’s operations,” said Drew.
