- CATARC expands NEV testing capabilities with advanced multi-domain validation platforms
- Project strengthens China’s infrastructure for EV charging, EMC, battery, and e-drive testing
The Tianjin Municipal People’s Government announced the launch of a major expansion initiative with the groundbreaking of the second phase of a New Energy Vehicle inspection facility operated by China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd.. This development reinforces China’s strategic push to strengthen validation capabilities for electric mobility technologies across charging, battery systems, and propulsion domains.
Project Scale and Development Timeline
The expansion project spans approximately 64,700 square meters and involves a total investment of around CNY 600 million. It is structured in two phases with clearly defined timelines for different technical domains. Facilities dedicated to battery charging and swapping technologies, along with electromagnetic compatibility testing, are expected to be completed by September 2026, followed by commissioning in October 2026.
In the subsequent phase, laboratories focusing on e-drive systems, electronic controllers, and crash safety validation are scheduled for completion and operational readiness by mid-2027. This phased approach ensures gradual scaling of testing capabilities aligned with evolving industry requirements.
Advanced Charging and Energy Integration Platform
One of the core pillars of the project is the development of an intelligent charging and battery swapping center. This platform integrates next-generation technologies including ultra-fast charging, automated charging systems, wireless charging, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. The objective is to support seamless interaction between vehicles, energy infrastructure, and grid systems.
The center is designed to address the growing demand for efficient and scalable charging ecosystems, particularly for intelligent connected vehicles. It will also enable validation of interoperability across multiple charging standards and use cases.
Comprehensive EMC and System-Level Validation
The project also emphasizes the creation of a full lifecycle electromagnetic compatibility verification center. This facility will provide an integrated platform covering chips, components, subsystems, and complete vehicles. The goal is to address critical EMC challenges associated with increasingly complex electronic architectures in modern vehicles.
Key EMC Validation Capabilities
The platform will enable end-to-end testing and validation across multiple system layers, ensuring reliability and compliance for intelligent connected vehicles operating in high-interference environments.
- Chip-level and component-level EMC validation
- System integration testing for electronic architectures
- Vehicle-level electromagnetic interference and immunity assessment
Battery System and E-Drive Testing Infrastructure
A multi-scenario evaluation center for advanced battery systems will be established to support the entire lifecycle of power batteries. This includes material characterization, system performance testing, end-of-life evaluation, and failure diagnostics. The facility aims to enhance safety, durability, and performance validation across various operating conditions.
Integrated Powertrain Validation Capabilities
In parallel, a dedicated multi-domain verification center for motors and e-drive systems will be developed. This platform will focus on comprehensive testing of electric propulsion systems, enabling performance benchmarking and reliability assessment under diverse operational scenarios.
- Material and cell-level battery analysis
- System-level battery performance and safety testing
- Integrated e-drive system evaluation and benchmarking
This expansion positions the Tianjin facility as a critical hub for next-generation vehicle validation, supporting the rapid evolution of electrified and intelligent mobility technologies while reinforcing industry-wide testing standards.
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