Targeted at service providers and reclamation yards, the GRX-5100 enables the full range of battery pack service, including balancing, charging, de-powering and module-level servicing.

Midtronics, a provider of battery testing products and services that was founded in 1984, has completed initial field testing for the GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Station, a high-voltage battery service and de-power tool for hybrid and electric vehicles. Targeted at service providers and reclamation yards, the GRX-5100 enables the full range of battery pack service, including balancing, charging, de-powering and module-level servicing.

“We have been working in tandem with various vehicle manufacturers to develop this new solution to improve the serviceability of electric and hybrid vehicle battery systems, whether that be routine repair or complete de-power after a severe collision,” said Midtronics Chief Technology Officer Kevin Bertness. “Field testing in cooperation with General Motors has been very successful and we plan to begin full-scale production and shipping of the GRX-5100 before the end of 2012.”

The GRX-5100 features an electrical harness between batteries and communication systems via unique adapters for each vehicle model. It uses USB-based memory to support system updates for future battery systems.

“The ability of the GRX-5100 to be updated to communicate with future vehicle battery systems ensures that our dealers and other OEMs will be able to perform service, de-power and balance functions as new makes/models are introduced,” said Pablo Valencia of GM.

Source: Midtronics
Image: Midtronics