UL Solutions has commenced construction on its North America Advanced Battery Laboratory, aiming to bolster electric vehicle and industrial battery manufacturing. The cutting-edge lab will be a significant contributor to the region’s innovation ecosystem and the global EV market.
What’s Happening
UL Solutions, a renowned name in safety science, has broken ground for its North America Advanced Battery Laboratory in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This facility, situated at the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, is set to empower original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for electric vehicles and industrial batteries by facilitating shorter development cycles, quicker time-to-market, and a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Why It Matters
UL Solutions marked this significant occasion with the presence of various government officials. The lineup included U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and city authorities. CEO Jennifer Scanlon emphasized the lab’s vital role in the region’s innovation ecosystem and the company’s dedication to using safety science expertise to foster technological advancement and market speed.
Key Points
Michigan has a reputation for housing top OEMs, EV and industrial battery product manufacturers, and tech firms focused on future mobility and electrification. This development reinforces Michigan’s standing as a hub for advanced manufacturing and mobility. The laboratory, once completed, is projected to be one of the most comprehensive battery testing and engineering labs in North America.
The new facility will be equipped with UL Solutions professionals and machinery to conduct thermal fire propagation, electrical, mechanical abuse, and environmental testing based on standards from UL, IEC, UN initiatives, SAE, and OEM specifications. This comes amidst key factors like supply chain issues, sustainability objectives, energy independence, and the need for local innovation and manufacturing acceleration, prompting considerable public and private investment in establishing a new domestic supply chain for EV and industrial batteries.
Bottom Line
The Auburn Hills Advanced Battery Laboratory is an investment that is anticipated to add to Michigan’s economic growth, foster employment, and fortify Michigan’s positioning in advanced manufacturing and mobility. Moreover, this development promises to expedite the transition towards clean energy and contributes significantly to a more sustainable future.
UL Solutions intends to inaugurate the North America Advanced Battery Laboratory by mid-2024. The facility’s establishment will put the region at the forefront of battery testing and engineering, bolstering the growth of North American manufacturers and enhancing the safety and efficiency of products on a national and international scale.
