UL Solutions Inc. has inaugurated its Europe Advanced Battery Testing Laboratory in Aachen, Germany, enhancing the company’s capabilities in battery technology testing and expanding its presence in the European market. The new facility is equipped to test batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage systems, addressing the growing demand for reliable battery testing services.
Designed specifically for evaluating EV and industrial battery products during the research and development stages, the Aachen laboratory also conducts thorough assessments of finished products to ensure they meet stringent safety and performance standards. This enables original equipment manufacturers to enter global markets with confidence in their battery technologies.
“Our new location in Germany provides us with access to the region’s deep engineering talent and places us close to many of our key European customers,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions. “We are meeting our customers where they are, helping the automotive and power sectors safely innovate in a world increasingly reliant on battery storage.”
The Aachen facility succeeds a smaller leased site that became part of UL Solutions’ acquisition of BatterieIngenieure in 2024. This acquisition notably boosted UL Solutions’ testing, simulation, and failure analysis capacities for battery technologies. A significant feature of the new laboratory is its ability to estimate battery lifespans, which is essential for manufacturers and consumers alike.
The establishment of the UL Solutions Aachen laboratory coincides with a critical period in the global energy transition and electrification efforts. According to the International Energy Agency, the EV market experienced a 35% increase in battery demand in 2023, with projections indicating a tenfold rise. Similarly, battery storage in the power sector saw deployments grow by over 130% in the same year.
Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, the UL Solutions Europe Advanced Battery Laboratory is the company’s first EU facility dedicated solely to comprehensive battery testing services. The laboratory employs specialized battery science experts who perform rigorous tests to determine the longevity, safety, and performance of battery cells, modules, and complete systems.
The facility conducts specialized tests to evaluate batteries under various potential threats, including misuse, off-gassing, and thermal runaway—a rapid increase in temperature and pressure that can lead to fires or explosions. These evaluations ensure that clients’ technologies comply with safety and performance standards set by UL Standards & Engagement, the International Electrotechnical Commission, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the United Nations, and other recognized organizations.
The Aachen laboratory joins UL Solutions’ global network of battery testing facilities, which also includes locations in North America, China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. This expansion underscores UL Solutions’ commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the battery and electric vehicle industries.
Source: Business Wire
