Cold Soak Testing
The Smithers Winter Test Center has two freezers for cold soak vehicle testing that are outfitted to maintain temperatures as low as -30°F.
Smithers adds freezer capabilities to support electric vehicle technology development at winter proving grounds
Published: 7/10/2020
Akron, Ohio – Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, has announced new freezer capacity at the Smithers Winter Test Center (SWTC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Two Reefer trailers have been outfitted to maintain temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). The trailers are each spacious enough to accommodate two large passenger vehicles or light trucks at a time.
Demand for cold soak testing is growing among automotive OEMs and tier suppliers who are working to develop batteries and specialty components for electric vehicles.
“Electric vehicle technology is developing very quickly, and there are still some unknowns with regard to how they function in extreme cold,” said Dr. Jim Popio, Vice President of Operations, North America, Materials Science and Engineering, Smithers. “We made this investment to help our clients deepen their understanding of how their EV technology performs at low temperatures and maintain a competitive edge in the market.”
The freezers are located at the head of a 4500-foot paved asphalt two-lane roadway. The setup allows clients to drive vehicles straight out of the trailer and immediately attempt acceleration and braking maneuvers to determine how driving performance is impacted by extreme cold.
“In addition to batteries, extreme cold can impact fluids and mechanical components within a vehicle,” said Sean Connolly, General Manager of the Smithers Winter Test Center. “With this setup, you can quickly assess whether the vehicle is starting smoothly and all components and fluids are operating correctly. Clients can also measure low temperature properties of tires, such as flat spotting and brittleness.”
Smithers also invested in a new direct-current high-speed charging station on site to increase efficiency for customers who are testing electric vehicles. The ChargePoint Express 250 DC Fast Charging Station delivers 75% of battery capacity in about twenty minutes.
The new freezers are fully operational and ready for testing work. To learn more, please contact Sean Connolly at (330)760-9829 or sconnolly@smithers.com.
The Smithers Winter Test Center (SWTC) is a winter proving ground in Brimley, Michigan, with over 800 acres of snow, ice, and bare pavement surfaces and courses. OEMs and tier suppliers engage the facility for testing and conducting performance evaluations on vehicle systems, tires, and components under the special challenges of extreme cold and hazardous road conditions.