With the booming automotive electrification industry comes the increasing need to test new powertrain developments, however demand in the UK is already in excess of capacity. To help support the advances in technologies, a new state-of-the-art facility has been announced for testing high voltage EV propulsion systems.
The new European Electric Vehicle Propulsion Testing Centre of Excellence to be built in Milton Keynes by 2020 has been unveiled by Intertek, who are experts in testing and assurance. Intertek already operates a powertrain testing laboratory in Milton Keynes, but has now invested in the new Centre of Excellence, which includes enhanced technology capabilities to further cater for a growing EV customer base.
The new investment and capabilities will encompass motors, inverters, axle modules, all on-board vehicle electrical systems and complete electric vehicle testing. Specific new capabilities will include ten EV powertrain test cells, a complete four-wheel drive full vehicle climatic test chamber, electric axle module test rigs, three state-of-the-art eMotor dyno rigs operating at speeds up to 27,000rpm, and several specialist e-machine development rigs.
“By significantly developing our EV testing capabilities, we will continue to enable clients to accelerate their equipment and systems capabilities in the fast-developing field of EV powertrain,” said Rob van Dorp, Intertek UK & Eire CEO.
“We will continue to partner with customers at the forefront of the next generation of automotive development and support them to develop the best electric vehicles for the future.”
Intertek was awarded funding support from South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) for the new facility, which will not only be ready to cope with the test market demand forecast to double by 2021, but also create new roles.
“The South East Midlands is home to major UK technical testing facilities that bring the very best of British and European innovation from industries involved in the future of mobility and clean growth fields to the area. As set out in our Local Industrial Strategy, the SEMLEP area’s ambition is to use clean technologies and infrastructure to strengthen our area’s industry expertise and capabilities in innovation,” said Judith Barker, director of programs and Governance at SEMLEP.
