Ricardo has opened a battery systems development center at its Van Buren Township, MI headquarters. The center provides capabilities for development and application of high-voltage battery-pack systems for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

The facility will include specially built development chambers with high-capacity battery cyclers, high-voltage instrumentation, hardware-in-the-loop systems, and other equipment for developing battery systems in simulated vehicle environments. Once a battery pack design is verified in a safe, simulated environment, the system can be further developed on a vehicle in Ricardo's adjoining garage facility.