Abuse tests are necessary for the approval of battery systems. They ensure the safety of batteries, can help to optimise the design of systems and contribute to the targeted improvement of the safety of hybrid and electric vehicles. Carrying out destructive tests and the knowledge gained from them increases the crash safety of electric vehicles and contributes significantly to safe electric mobility. The use of the crash site using state-of-the-art measurement and video technology thus extends the testing possibilities of the Safe Electromobility Working Group to include destructive tests with a high risk potential. With the help of the Abuse Centre, THI is sharpening its profile in vehicle safety research, strengthening Ingolstadt as a location for the automotive industry and promoting close networking with local companies. The close, cooperative collaboration in the research field ensures the future viability and competitiveness of local companies.

• Outdoor test area
• Fire troughs
• Controllable short circuit device < 5 mOhm
• Hydraulic press
• Nail penetration press
• Precision Press
• Measurement technology for voltage, current and temperature logging
• Image and video recording (infrared, visual (photo, video in HD, high speed)
• Flame photometer
• Controllable voltage source (80 V, 40 A, 1000 W)
• Controllable electronic sink for deep discharge of cells
• Extinguishing agents (water & CO2)
• Chemical analysis: 930 Compact IC Flex ion chromatograph with conductivity measuring cell as detector, ion-sensitive electrodes for fluoride and pH value determination

• Mechanical tests: pressing, (nail) penetration, shock
• Electrical tests: short circuit, overcharge, deep discharge / voltage reversal
• Thermal tests: thermal stability, fire tests
• Others: fire extinguishing tests, waste water analysis

On an external test site, THI conducts misuse tests on electrochemical energy storage devices, especially LIB (tests up to cell level).
The tests comply with common regulations and standards such as FreedomCAR and UN 38.3, but also include tests for research purposes.

Lab for Electrical Energy Storage

Lab for Electric Mobility

Schanzer Racing

Battery Lab