New test center in Klettwitz: Testing electric car batteries under extreme conditions!

New test center in Klettwitz: Testing electric car batteries under extreme conditions!

On September 15, 2025, a new test center for electric car batteries was opened in Klettwitz, Oberspreewald-Lausitz. This facility, operated by DEKRA (German Motor Vehicle Monitoring Association), has set itself the goal of testing the safety of automobile and truck batteries under extreme conditions. Thomas Hucke, the head of the test center, explained the various tests that are carried out there to make the high-voltage batteries safe in the long term. In addition to drop tests from a height of four meters, the tests also include overloading, puncture and fire tests.

The test center will offer comprehensive battery testing services from mid-2025 to meet the growing demands of electromobility. DEKRA plans to use this center to cover all battery testing needs and promote the safety of electromobility. The investment of more than 20 million euros in the facility will enable the creation of up to 50 new jobs. This is particularly important for the structural change region of Lausitz, which must assert itself in the context of the upcoming ban on combustion engines in 2035 and the necessary transformation to electromobility.

Comprehensive battery testing services

The new Battery Test Center in Klettwitz offers a wide range of services. This includes development support, validation testing and final certification testing for various batteries. DEKRA aims to ensure the highest safety standards in order to progressively optimize the testing of batteries, which are important for both electric vehicles and other applications. The facility is part of DEKRA's global network of state-of-the-art automotive laboratories.

In addition to the tests for vehicle batteries, DEKRA also plans to test storage systems for solar systems in Klettwitz in the future. This reflects the organization's commitment to driving innovation in the automotive industry while supporting sustainable mobility and smart energy solutions. DEKRA not only offers tests and analysis, but also logistics and recycling after the batteries have been tested.

Department head Erik Pellmann highlights the Lausitzring location, which is considered one of the most comprehensive testing centers for the automotive industry. Given the increased demand for safe and powerful battery systems, the opening of the test center is a crucial step in ensuring road safety and consumer protection, as emphasized by Guido Kutschera, CEO of DEKRA Automobil GmbH.

While Brandenburg wants to become climate neutral by 2045, the new battery test center plays a key role in the development of innovative and safe battery systems. Rainer Genilke, Minister for Infrastructure and State Planning, highlighted the essential importance of the test center in this transformation process.

With the new test center in Klettwitz, DEKRA is well positioned to support future trends in the automotive sector, including C2X communication, charging infrastructure and driver assistance systems (ADAS). In a rapidly changing market, the ability to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality is of utmost importance for all stakeholders involved.

For more information about DEKRA's new testing services and future-oriented projects, visit the website DEKRA and find out more about the tests under extreme conditions for safe electromobility DEKRA Austria.