Validating Breakthrough EV-Battery Technology
The European research project LIBERTY aimed to improve battery performance, safety, and lifetime while ensuring sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. In this article we look back on our a key role in this project: defining the test protocols and executing extensive battery testing at battery pack level, which included fast-charging up to 350 kW. Find out how our infrastructure and expertise in battery testing were instrumental in validating LIBERTY’s promising results.
Pushing the Boundaries of Battery Technology
The European CO2 fleet emission limits have been driving the road transport industry towards electrification. While battery electric vehicle technology is mature and widely adopted, key challenges remain. Range anxiety and fast-charging limitations are significant barriers preventing further market penetration. The European research project LIBERTY (Lightweight Battery System For Extended Range at Improved Safety) aimed to overcome these challenges.
Ambitious objectives
- A driving range of over 500 km on a single charge.
- Charging time of less than 20 minutes between 10–80 % State-of-Charge (SoC) with a maximum charging power of 350 kW.
- A battery pack lifetime of over 300.000 km.
Comprehensive Testing for Real-World Performance
To validate the research results at battery pack level, rigorous and controlled testing was required. At Flanders Make we invested in a new bi-directional DC-Source at our Lommel facility, capable of providing 1500 VDC and 540 kW. This advanced infrastructure allowed us to rigorously assess the charging time and power output of the LIBERTY battery system.
Throughout the testing process, the battery pack was installed in our climate chamber, allowing evaluation under realistic environmental conditions. An e-fluid cooling system was also integrated to ensure the correct cooling conditions during high-power charging sessions.
The performance tests included:
- Execution of load profiles simulating acceleration and regenerative braking events.
- Drive cycle testing, including the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
- Fast-charging validation, confirming the system’s capability to meet the ambitious charging speed and power targets.
High-Voltage, High-Impact: Our New DC-Source
Our new DC-Source was essential in being able to execute the LIBERTY performance tests. It's a state-of-the-art bidirectional unit capable of seamlessly switching between charging and discharging modes. This advanced power supply brings precision and flexibility to our testing and simulation capabilities.
With specifications at the forefront of the industry - 540 kW, 1500 VDC, and 1080 ADC - it stands alongside Europe’s leading research infrastructures.
With our infrastructure and expertise, we helped to ensure that the LIBERTY project was able to deliver validated, high-performance, and sustainable battery technology for the next generation of electric vehicles.
Shaping the Future of Battery Technology
Flanders Make is at the forefront of electrification. We are actively contributing to innovative battery research at the European level. From battery architecture and system engineering, electrical and mechanical design to battery management systems and state estimation, advanced cooling and thermal management, functional safety, testing and digitalization of the battery systems. Find out more.
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Power and Energy Components and Systems
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