The aim of the project is to convert, rather than replace, current engines on the road, which would negate the need for “significant investment in supply chain manufacturing and assembly infrastructure”.

The new facility, which is already in use, incorporates a test chamber and engine dynamometers with nominal capacities of 900 kilowatts and 4,000 Nm.

The new facility, spanning 1,300 square metres, can accommodate every stage of battery development between prototyping and small-scale production, according to Mahle Powertrain.

The company announced a USD4m investment in a new powertrain test facility located at its engineering centre in Michigan, as well as a GBP15m total investment in two test facilities in Northampton, UK.