In December 2025, SERMA Technologies inaugurated a new battery testing centre for electric mobility in Neuville-aux-Bois (Loiret). The 5,000 m² site is entirely dedicated to safety, performance and reliability testing of lithium-ion battery cells, modules and packs.
The project is supported by the France 2030 programme and the Green Fund, and is part of the national strategy to strengthen France’s industrial capacity in the field of electromobility. It complements the Group’s existing facilities at Martillac (Gironde) and Lardy (Essonne).
Comprehensive tests to validate safety
The Loiret centre is responsible for carrying out a wide range of tests to assess the behaviour of batteries in extreme conditions.
SERMA’s tests include the following:
- thermal tests (runaway, propagation, temperature rise),
- mechanical tests (impact, crushing, dropping),
- electrical tests (short-circuit, overload, rapid discharge),
- and environmental tests (immersion, humidity, thermal variations).
These highly regulated procedures are carried out in accordance with UN 38.3, ECE R100 and IEC 62660 standards, which are used to qualify and approve batteries for EVs.
The facilities include secure, confined areas equipped with detection, fire containment and smoke treatment systems to neutralise any incident during destructive testing.
An asset for the French battery industry
This new centre strengthens the testing and validation activities of SERMA Technologies, which specialises in the electrical, thermal and mechanical analysis of batteries. It will support carmakers, equipment manufacturers and battery manufacturers in validating their products before they are put on the market.
The company points out that this facility will « support the growth of the European battery industry » and « meet the growing need for safety and performance testing » in the context of the rapid industrialisation of electric vehicles.
Contributing to the development of electric mobility
The work carried out at Neuville-aux-Bois is part of a series of investments designed to structure a French and European battery testing industry. The infrastructure of this new company now covers the entire life cycle of batteries: characterisation, endurance, safety, recycling and after-use expertise.
The new centre will add to the testing capacity available in France, help the industry build up its technological expertise and secure the battery value chain, a key element in Europe’s energy transition.
