Advancing E-Mobility: MAHLE Modernizes Stuttgart Wind Tunnel with Fast Charging System for Electric Vehicles

With the new fast charging system, charging processes can be tested under real climatic conditions in the MAHLE climatic wind tunnel.

(IN BRIEF) MAHLE has upgraded its facility in Stuttgart with a direct current fast charging system for electric vehicles. The system allows the company to test the effects of fast charging on Li-ion batteries in a variety of climatic conditions, including extreme heat. The facility was originally built in 1937 as the world’s first wind tunnel for the automotive industry and has since been modernized to provide realistic and repeatable testing conditions. The addition of the fast charging system enhances MAHLE’s ability to advance e-mobility and provide exceptional testing services to its customers.

(PRESS RELEASE) STUTTGART, 8-Feb-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  MAHLE GmbH, one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide, announces that it has enhanced its state-of-the-art facility in Stuttgart with the commissioning of a direct current fast charging system for electric vehicles. This innovative addition to the climatic wind tunnel allows MAHLE’s test engineers to examine the effects of fast charging on Li-ion batteries under a variety of climatic conditions, including extreme heat.

With the ability to charge electric vehicles with up to 350 kilowatts in under five minutes for a 100-kilometer cruising range, the testing provides crucial data for vehicle development and battery performance. To ensure optimal battery temperature, the thermal management system must maintain the battery within a temperature range of 15-40 degrees Celsius during fast charging. The test results also provide insights into passenger comfort.

“By expanding the range of services offered by our climatic wind tunnel in the direction of e-mobility, we will be able to support our customers even better in the development of their e-cars in the future,” said Jumana Al-Sibai, a member of the MAHLE Management Board and responsible for the business unit thermal management. “The battery is particularly demanding, and MAHLE can make a valuable contribution here with its distinctive system expertise in temperature management.”

Established in 1937 as the world’s first wind tunnel for the automotive industry, the facility in Stuttgart has been continuously modernized to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Today, it is a pioneer in the measurement sector, providing realistic and repeatable testing conditions. The addition of the fast charging system further strengthens MAHLE’s commitment to advancing e-mobility and providing exceptional testing capabilities to its customers.

Contact persons for MAHLE communications:
Ruben Danisch
Spokesperson Product & Technologies
Phone: +49 711 501-12199
E-mail: ruben.danisch@mahle.com

Dr. René Lehnert
Press officer
Phone: +49 711 501-40304
E-mail: rene.lehnert@mahle.com

SOURCE: MAHLE GmbH