New test center for electric car batteries started in Klettwitz!

New test center for electric car batteries started in Klettwitz!

Today the Klettwitz location in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz region experienced a significant reopening: the new test center for electric car batteries, operated by DEKRA (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association), was ceremoniously inaugurated. With more than 20 million euros invested, this center is an important step into the future of electromobility, creating up to 50 new jobs.

The test center places particular emphasis on the safety of car and truck batteries under extreme conditions. Thomas Hucke, head of the test center, explained the comprehensive test methods used to make the high-voltage batteries safe in the long term. These include drop tests from a height of four meters, piercing and lighting the batteries, temperature simulations between -40 and +80 degrees as well as exposure to a mixture of water and dust under high pressure. In addition, classic errors such as overcharging and short circuits are simulated. Even before series production, the batteries must pass these demanding tests without catching fire in order to meet the high safety standards.

Extensive testing services

The new Battery Test Center will offer comprehensive battery testing services from mid-2025. In addition to development support, these also include validation tests and final certification tests, DEKRA emphasizes that the goal is to meet all battery testing needs and thus significantly promote the safety of electromobility. The center will be part of a global network of state-of-the-art automotive laboratories, where independent expertise and high quality in testing services are guaranteed.

In addition, other services related to electric vehicles, such as tests, analyses, logistics and recycling after the test, are offered. DEKRA is continuously working to expand its services to support future automotive trends, including C2X communication, charging infrastructure and functional safety. This corresponds to the growing need for modern and safe battery systems in relation to electromobility and sustainable energy solutions.

Importance for the region and the industry

The opening of the test center also has high social relevance. Rainer Genilke, Minister for Infrastructure and State Planning, emphasized the importance of the new battery test center for the development of modern battery systems and structural change in Lusatia. Guido Kutschera, CEO of DEKRA Automobil GmbH, emphasizes that vehicle tests are important for road safety and consumer protection and that the center will make a central contribution to achieving climate neutrality in Brandenburg by 2045.

Erik Pellmann, department head at the DEKRA Automobile Test Center, calls the Lausitzring location one of the most comprehensive testing centers for the automotive industry. The commitment to the highest safety standards and the consideration of market surveillance and certification requirements strengthen trust in the technologies of the future. Through continuous innovation efforts, DEKRA not only meets increasing requirements, but also sets new standards in the industry.

Overall, the opening of the test center in Klettwitz represents a decisive step for the future of electromobility and signals DEKRA's commitment to safety, efficiency and the development of sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.

For more information please visit the articles on rbb24, DEKRA and DEKRA Austria.