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The BMW Group has reached a pivotal milestone at its Wackersdorf location with the opening of the first phase of a cutting-edge battery testing centre. Announced just a year ago, the project has now begun operations as planned. This facility, spanning over 8,000 square metres, will play a crucial role in shaping the electric future of BMW vehicles. It’s designed to rigorously assess battery cells, high-voltage batteries, and electric powertrain components during early development stages, ensuring optimal performance well before production begins.
The testing centre is being constructed on the historic grounds of Hall 80, a structure originally built in the 1980s for a reprocessing facility. Extensive renovations have transformed the space to meet the demanding requirements of modern battery testing. Recent upgrades include installing a reinforced floor slab, 2,200 tonnes of structural steel, and 10,000 cubic metres of concrete to prepare for high-tech operations.
With the commissioning of the first phase, BMW’s “battery testers” have already begun operating 24/7, simulating real-world conditions by charging and discharging battery cells under varying scenarios. This approach allows BMW engineers to gather critical performance data early in development, ensuring that future electric models meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. The initial setup allows for parallel testing of hundreds of battery cells, with the capacity expected to scale to thousands by the time the facility is fully operational in 2025.
Beyond testing individual cells, the centre is equipped to validate full battery-electric vehicles before their series production launch. This includes rigorous vibration and shock testing as well as endurance trials that replicate complex driving patterns. Such simulations are vital for ensuring that electric vehicles meet regulatory approvals and deliver the premium performance BMW customers expect.
As the project progressed, Site Manager Christoph Peters highlighted its transformative impact on Wackersdorf. The facility adds a new dimension to the site’s operations, complementing its existing roles in supplying overseas plants and producing components for Rolls-Royce. It’s a significant step forward, not just for BMW but also for the ongoing evolution towards sustainable electromobility.
