New North America Battery Centre Is Taking Shape In Windsor

Will Help With Future PHEVs, BEVs, and HEVs...

Robert S. Miller November 24, 2023

Stellantis Mirafiori Battery Technology Center. (Stellantis).

The foundation stones have been laid, quite literally, for a groundbreaking venture shaping the future of automotive innovation in North America. Stellantis, at the vanguard of electric vehicle (EV) evolution, has commenced construction on the North America Battery Technology Centre at its Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) complex in Windsor, Ontario.

Ironworkers install the first of 228 steel structural columns for the new battery centre in Windsor. (Stellantis).

This state-of-the-art facility, currently materializing with the assembly of its structural steel columns, promises an impressive footprint spanning 100,000 square feet. Set to become a hub for pioneering research and development, the centre will house a remarkable array of 35 walk-in climatic test cells designed for evaluating up to 63 packs, alongside 11 reach-in test cells capable of testing up to 132 cells. More than just a facility, it’s an ecosystem primed for innovation, boasting the capability to conduct tests across a climatic range from -40°C to +80°C (-40°F to +176°F).

At its core, the Battery Technology Centre stands as a testament to Stellantis’ commitment to shaping the future of transportation. Focusing on battery-electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) cells, modules, and battery packs, the centre aims to redefine the benchmarks for performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.

Rendering of the Stellantis North America Battery Technology Centre in Windsor, Ontario. (Stellantis).

Ned Curic, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, expressed the pivotal role the facility will play in ensuring their products meet and exceed customer expectations. “With multiple walk-in climatic test cells,” Curic stated, “we will rigorously evaluate batteries for pack testing, environmental durability tests, life cycle tests, and systems validation.”

Moreover, this ambitious project is not an isolated endeavor but part of Stellantis’ broader $3.6 billion CAD ($2.8 billion USD) investment, fortified by government support. It represents a resounding commitment to a sustainable future, securing the trajectory of both Windsor and Brampton assembly plants while augmenting the ARDC’s capabilities to expedite the transition to electrification.

The anticipated completion of construction in mid-2024 and the subsequent launch of full-scale operations in the first quarter of 2025 heralds not just the birth of a cutting-edge facility but the creation of approximately 55 highly specialized roles onsite, comprising engineers and technicians.

One of the bettery cells in Turin at the Stellantis Battery Center. (Stellantis).

This initiative resonates with Stellantis’ recent strides in Europe. The company inaugurated its Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy, an integral part of its global battery development and manufacturing network that encompasses six Gigafactories.

In alignment with the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis’ commitment to advancing battery technology echoes loudly. A staggering $45 billion CAD ($35 billion USD) investment by 2025 in electrification and software globally underscores the magnitude of their vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

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MoparRay Nov 24, 2023 #1

Looks like Stellantis is putting a lot of infertile eggs in one basket. They should slow down their EV program to match potential sales. Chrysler will go broke selling only EVs.

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patfromigh Nov 24, 2023 #2

There is so much poor reading comprehension in today's general population. Let me quote a paragraph from the article in question.

The above quote states that Stellantis is not selling only battery electric vehicles. They are not a company "Going all in." as Mary Barra spoke for GM. If one posts a statement of "only EVs" it will be assumed to mean BEV, because the market for hybrid vehicles is very lucrative. So one can't lump the technologies together with a general comment.

The name of this website hosting these forums is Mopar Insiders. I only worked for third tier suppliers providing production tooling for Chrysler Corporation and its competitors. There are other people on these forums who have a much better knowledge of the inner workings than I do. What I do know from my experience is that companies which don't invest in R&D go out of business. Look at Packard which was much too late to the party with a modern V8 and is now history.

Getting back to the article this thread follows. Batteries are necessary for both hybrid and full battery electric power power. The way forward is through hybrids, but real solutions are needed for BEV. There are people wanting full battery electric, but are held back by unstable battery chemistry, lack of charging infrastructure and price concerns. Solve these problems and sales will of EVs will rise again.

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M MotorMaven Nov 25, 2023 #3

This reminds me of all the old timers in the 70s and 80s who said there was no future in 4 cylinder FWD, and almost ran Chrysler into the ground until Iacocca did the K-car.

It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Tesla’s sales in 2023 alone are about 20% higher than Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM combined.

Sticking with gas-burners in the impending era of $15/gallon gas as Chinese and Indian demand soars will lead to the end of the road for Stellantis. It’s smart of them to invest in the tech of the future.

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