Nuneaton-based Horiba MIRA (www.horiba-mira.com) — a world leader in advanced engineering, research and product testing — is enhancing its test and engineering capabilities with a dedicated Advanced Battery Development Suite.

Representing a £2 million investment by the Horiba Group, this will provide test and development services for battery packs and other components for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The 2,000ft² test centre will be capable of high-resolution cell characterisation, as well as testing battery modules and packs through representative charge and discharge cycles at a wide range of temperatures. The facility is due for completion by the end of 2017.

Horiba MIRA CEO George Gillespie said: “By 2020, 26% of vehicles across the globe will have an electrified powertrain.

The increase in electric and hybrid vehicles demands improved test facilities, which can keep pace with the changing requirements for battery range and thermodynamic efficiency. That is exactly why we’re developing the Advanced Battery Development Suite.

“This investment — in addition to the recent launch of our Advanced Emissions Testing Centre, which is already performing incredibly well — demonstrates Horiba MIRA’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions through improved testing facilities and expertise. We look forward to officially opening our new battery suite towards the end of the year.”