Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has announced the grand opening of its Electrification Centre of Excellence at its Transportation Technologies lab in Plymouth, Michigan, US. Strategically located in the epicenter of the automotive industry, the facility will play a crucial role in supporting manufacturers in the transition to greener modes of transport. The facility will deliver science-based Total Quality Assurance solutions to automotive manufacturers and their supply chains to support the industry’s global move towards electric mobility.
As US EV sales are growing at breakneck speed – increasing 65% from 2021 to 2022 – the automotive industry’s critical need for regulatory support and electrification testing for evolving EV and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) battery and charging technologies is increasing.
“The need to find sustainable and cleaner solutions for vehicles has accelerated the advancements in battery technologies, and the positive regulatory frameworks supporting faster adoption has compounded the surge in demand,” said Intertek CEO André Lacroix. “It is within this changing landscape that Intertek has successfully positioned itself as a driving force for positive change in the automotive industry.”
Located in the epicenter of American automotive manufacturing in Detroit, the facility encompasses 200,000 square feet, making it one of the largest laboratories in Intertek’s global network. Enhanced testing capabilities and equipment include the installation of a 55,000 lbf shaker, one of the largest in North America, for use with large automotive and EV component testing; battery Cycler capability to 1200V/600kw; EVSE emulator for IEC 61851-24 certifications, and 90 environmental chambers ranging in size from small reach-in units to those that can fit a full vehicle inside.
“Our investment in the Plymouth Electrification Centre of Excellence confirms our dedication to support the electrification of the automotive industry and its supply chains,” adds Lacroix.
