MAHLE Powertrain has unveiled two advanced testing facilities in Northampton following a £15 million investment, including £3.6 million in UK government funding. The new Vehicle Development Centre (VDC) and battery testing facility will enable rigorous evaluation of next-generation electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles under extreme simulated conditions. The opening was officiated by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, who praised the project for leveraging Britain’s engineering talent.
World-Class Testing Capabilities for Global Automakers
The VDC can replicate environments ranging from -40°C Arctic cold to +60°C desert heat, with altitude simulations up to 5,000 meters. Its climate-controlled chambers support testing of both two- and four-wheel-drive vehicles at speeds reaching 155mph. A dedicated hydrogen testing area features advanced gas monitoring and venting systems, while the battery facility—connected to the National Grid—can evaluate 1MW battery packs with full thermal runaway protection.
Accelerating the Transition to Zero-Emission Transport
“These facilities position us at the forefront of decarbonized propulsion development,” said Simon Reader, Managing Director of MAHLE Powertrain. “With automakers racing to deliver carbon-neutral solutions, our center offers globally unique capabilities spanning battery systems and alternative fuels.” The investment strengthens MAHLE’s end-to-end development services as demand surges for future mobility testing.
Powering the UK’s Green Automotive Leadership
The project has created 160 skilled engineering jobs in Northampton, a region historically tied to British motorsport excellence. The battery testing facility’s grid connection allows energy recapture during testing, minimizing waste. MAHLE reports strong interest from global manufacturers seeking to validate next-gen vehicle technologies at the site.
Strategic Partnership Drives Sustainable Innovation
Collaboration with the National Grid and SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) was crucial in realizing the project. The facilities underscore the UK’s growing role in sustainable mobility R&D, providing automakers with critical infrastructure to accelerate their electrification and hydrogen development programs.
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