Test facility for Volvo

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has opened a SEK195 million (€20.45 million) driveline test facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden, with the company saying that the new equipment will support the company’s technology shift towards electromobility.

Described as a state-of-the-art test facility, the new building is home to several test rigs that will be used with both electric and conventional drivelines and components.

One of the test rigs – which allows all a machine’s wheels to be controlled and measured independently, enabling the entire electromobility driveline to be tested in a modular way – is thought to be the first of its kind in the industry.

Peter Österberg, vice president of Core Technologies, said, “This test facility will support Volvo on its journey towards electromobility. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move forward and test concepts like our HX2 autonomous, battery-electric, load carrier, and the LX1 electric hybrid wheeled loader.

“The equipment will allow us to test important factors and see how a driveline, transmission, components, etc, work in different situations. This investment shows that Volvo CE is not only committed to electromobility but that we are also committed to Eskilstuna, and our employees.”

He added that the new facilities would help build the knowledge and competence of Volvo’s engineers.

The first projects to enter the new 4,400m² facility will be connected to electromobility and transmissions. Although it has been designed to test drivelines in wheeled loaders and articulated haulers, electromobility components from other machines could also be tested at the site along with truck axles. 

Österberg said the facility would benefit many areas of the Volvo business.

“Volvo CE is at the forefront of the technological shift when it comes to electromobility in our industry. In the future, all of our competitors will need a facility like this.”

The project for the new test facility began in the autumn of 2014 when the funding was granted by the group executive board.