Volvo Sets up New Driveline Testing Facility

In order to facilitate its shift towards electromobility, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has opened a new SEK 195 million driveline test facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The state-of-the-art test facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden will have several test rigs for comprehensive testing of both electric and conventional drivelines and components. One of the test rigs is said to be the first of its kind in the industry as it allows all of a machine’s wheels to be controlled and measured independently. Thus, the complete electromobility driveline can be tested in a modular way.

Commenting on the new plant said that the test facility will support Volvo on its journey towards electromobility. The new facility will now make it possible for Volvo to test its HX2 autonomous, battery-electric, load carrier and the LX1 electric hybrid wheel loaders. Using the equipment in the new facility, the company will be able to test important factors and check how a driveline, transmission, components etc. can work in different scenarios. Volvo’s investment in this new facility highlights the fact that Volvo CE is not only committed to electromobility but is also committed to its employees and Eskilstuna. The new facilities will help the company’s engineering team to advance their knowledge and competence and further reinforce Eskilstuna’s position as an engineering center of excellence for driveline development.

The company is due to commence testing in the new 4,400m2 facility shortly. The first projects that will be tested at the facility will be connected to electromobility and transmissions. Though primarily meant to test drivelines in wheel loaders and articulated haulers, electromobility components from other machines can also be tested at the facility along with truck axles. 

“This really is a Volvo Group investment,” concludes Österberg. “It’s a unique facility that will 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.”

Volvo had begun work on the new test facility in Autumn 2014 when the Group Executive Board granted funds for the project. The new building was officially inaugurated and unveiled to hundreds of employees on Tuesday March 21st.