AB Volvo : Testing batteries to the extreme

The most expensive component

One of the biggest hurdles to getting people to switch from diesel engines to clean, sustainable electricity, is the uncertainly of using new, unproven technology. Particularly when it comes to batteries - the most expensive component in any electric driveline.

"Batteries are really sensitive to temperature," explains Ylva Olofsson, Project Manager, Laboratory Development Battery Testing, Volvo Group. "They need to maintain a stable temperature internally, despite the climate conditions outside. So, it's really important that we test our batteries vigorously and put a lot of pressure on them. We need to be confident that they will meet our customers' expectations - no matter where in the world they operate."

Own climate battery laboratory

Until very recently, testing involved physically driving vehicles in different locations with extreme conditions, such as far north Sweden in winter or southern Spain in summer. But now, Volvo Group has invested in its own climate battery laboratory at its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. This makes it possible to test batteries in conditions as low as -40°C to as high as 70°C, all within the confines of one centrally located state-of-the-art facility.

"Being able to do the testing in-house like this is so much quicker and convenient," says Ylva Olofsson. "Our programmers can write the code, make medications on the vehicle and test it immediately. We've closed the testing loop significantly, as well as reduced the planning and logistics required, and reduced our dependency on third-parry suppliers. This also gives us far greater confidence in the quality of test results."

The climate lab is located at the Volvo Group's CampX, a collaborative space that brings together the company's expertise within electromobility, automation and connectivity, as well as customers, start-ups, suppliers, academia and government authorities.