Keysight and SERMA Energy Expand Battery Test Capabilities in France 

As the demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, Keysight Technologies and SERMA Energy have partnered together to expand battery testing facilities in France. The partnership is designed to offer manufacturers efficient and cost-effective battery testing while increasing speed to market. 

European Cities are increasingly restricting the use of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, which is driving growth in the EV market at unprecedented speed. According to a recent McKinsey & Company report, the battery demand from EVs produced in Europe is projected to reach a total of 1,200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2040. As demand continues to grow, thorough testing of EV batteries is critical in order to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.

"SERMA Energy is a European leader in battery testing, and we are proud to work in collaboration to support EV demand both now and in the future," said Thierry Locquette, President at Keysight in France. "Our comprehensive solutions and know-how will enable us to strengthen our presence in Europe in the field of e-mobility, and to offer our customers a wider range of products and services."

Through the partnership, SERMA Energy will use Keysight's Battery Module Test System to expand the cell and module level battery testing facility in Martillac. Keysight's technology enables engineers to push the efficiency of each cell to develop higher-capacity and higher-density batteries. The 6000m2 facility now boasts 250 cell testing channels, 50 module testing channels, and a climate chamber.

"This partnership with Keysight opens up exciting perspectives for SERMA Energy," said Peter Herssens, Managing Director at SERMA Energy. "We are delighted to rely on Keysight which will be a showcase for e-mobility players in France and Europe from the second half of 2024 and will contribute to our sustained growth objectives for the years to come."

In addition to expanding its customer site in Martillac, SERMA Energy also introduced a new battery testing site in Lardy, designed to support a French car manufacturer. The site also benefits from Keysight's battery pack emulators, which emulates the battery characteristics while leaving very small footprints. The combination of Keysight's technology enables engineers to streamline the testing process, improving innovation and EV battery development.

"At Keysight we design and develop our battery testing solutions in-house. This enables us to offer tailored solutions, with the highest product quality and unmatched energy efficiency," added Michael Reser, Director EV Segment at Keysight. "In addition, we can also control the supply chain, all of which were key factors for SERMA Energy."