HORIBA MIRA announces £2m investment in battery development facility

HORIBA MIRA, a global provider of engineering, research and test services to the automotive, defence, aerospace and rail sectors, is launching a £2m advanced battery development facility to test battery packs and other components for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The 2000 sq ft test centre, which starts construction this month, is a dedicated facility for the testing and development of high voltage battery systems.

The facility is set for completion by the end of 2017 and will continue the growth of Nuneaton-based HORIBA MIRA’s capability in sustainable technologies.

Dr George Gillespie, CEO at HORIBA MIRA, said: “By 2020, 26% of vehicles across the globe will have an electrified powertrain. The increase in electric and hybrid vehicles demands improved test facilities, which can keep pace with the changing requirements for battery range and thermodynamic efficiency – which is exactly why we’re developing the Advanced Battery Development Suite.”

The announcement comes weeks after the launch of HORIBA MIRA’s Advanced Emissions Test Centre.

Dr Gillespie added: “This investment, in addition to the recent launch of our Advanced Emissions Testing Centre, which is already performing incredibly well, demonstrates HORIBA MIRA’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions through improved testing facilities and expertise, and we look forward to officially opening our new battery suite towards the end of the year.”

The Advanced Battery Development Suite also complements an existing battery validation test facility, which is located at HORIBA MIRA’s Quatro Park facility, based near Basildon in Essex.

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