Clarios evaluates battery performance in vehicles at temperatures down to -40°C

Clarios, the manufacturer of one in three car batteries worldwide, is expanding its role in research and development at its Hanover headquarters. The vehicle laboratory's test equipment has been expanded with a cold chamber that enables cool two vehicles to -40°C to push the performance of new and old batteries to their limits. The purpose of these tests is to analyse and improve the starting capacity and start-stop function of batteries at extreme sub-zero temperatures.

The vehicle laboratory and the cold chamber are part of the engineering department and are used for product development and optimization. The main objective is the interaction of the battery with the electronics of the entire vehicle, regardless of whether it has an internal combustion engine or is a battery-electric vehicle. The 12-volt battery is also an essential component of electric vehicles. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery powers the drivetrain, while batteries from the growing portfolio of Clarios xEV They power the internal 12-volt electrical system, including crucial power and safety functions.

This is how batteries are tested

Clarios' leading testing capabilities also respond to the specific requirements and requests of OEM customers. These include, for example, monitoring battery performance when starting the engine in a particular vehicle and throughout its entire service life. Batteries are artificially aged for this specific purpose. Various life cycles and long and short distance journeys are simulated depending on the usage profile. These rigorous tests are designed to ensure that the battery is fully operational and that the battery is fully operational.
Knowing the maximum capacity of batteries helps ensure that the right battery is chosen to meet the needs of the vehicle applications.

La cold chamber and wiring systems laboratory The Clarios R&D centres are not limited to the Hanover site: Thanks to a close global network of Clarios research and development centres, projects can be implemented throughout Europe, the USA and China. The test time varies from project to project – from one day to two years. The employees investigate how the battery responds under various conditions. On-site measurements are often carried out under real conditions over several years.

Markus Hoh, Head of Clarios Vehicle Laboratory in Hanover, says: “We do not see ourselves as mere manufacturers; we also want to actively support and advise our customers as technology solution providers. Clarios’ global aftermarket customers also benefit from having an information advantage. Thanks to our close collaboration with virtually all aftermarket manufacturers, we are able to offer our customers a better service and a better price. vehicle manufacturers "As a global market leader, we are quick to learn about trends that will be relevant to the aftermarket in the coming years. We can share this experience with our customers in this market, helping them prepare and train their workshops for the future."