TÜV SÜD Americas Inc., the Wakefield, Mass.-based subsidiary of TÜV SÜD in Munich, Germany, announced it will invest $44 million to develop an 80,000-square-foot electric vehicle (EV) battery testing facility in Auburn Hills.
“This investment by TÜV SÜD will create 40 good-paying jobs in a critical industry in southeast Michigan as we work to grow the state’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and secure a strong future for our automotive and mobility workforce,” says Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
It is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023 and will further TÜV SÜD’s battery and environmental capabilities in that state to accommodate the expanding EV market and the increasing size of EV batteries. The company has Michigan operations in Auburn Hills and Plymouth.
TÜV SÜD’s electric vehicle lithium-ion battery testing and certification services ensure batteries, cells, chargers, and electrical components for use in automotive applications meet global safety requirements for all major manufacturer and industry certifications.
This testing and certification includes full environmental capabilities, altitude simulation, shock and vibration testing, battery abuse testing, life cycle testing, calendar life testing, immersion testing, fuel fire testing, characterization and performance testing, R&D testing, test plan development, and electrical component testing.
Along with meeting OEM requirements, this testing and certification ensures maximum safety for drivers by providing early detection faults that enable manufacturers to improve their products.
“TÜV SÜD is excited to announce this $44M investment in a state-of-the-art facility in Michigan that expands our capabilities and capacity to serve the automotive sector in its transition to electric vehicles,” says John Tesoro, president and CEO of TÜV SÜD Americas. “Our globally recognized, independent, third-party testing services will enable safe and sustainable adoption of the technologies that will facilitate this transition.
“We thank our partners in the state of Michigan, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the city of Auburn Hills, Oakland County Michigan Government, and the Detroit Regional Partnership.”
