Midtronics develops electric vehicle battery service tool

WILLOWBROOK — Midtronics Inc. said it has completed initial field testing for the first high-voltage Hybrid/EV vehicle battery service and de-power tool for various hybrid and electric vehicles.

The device, called the GRX-5100, safely de-powers high-voltage batteries and enables service for the battery system at the module level, reducing manufacturer warranty costs and repair time and expense for customers.

The GRX-5100 was developed to perform full battery pack service, including balancing, charging in no-start situations, and full de-powering. The de-power capability enables packs in vehicles that have been involved in severe collisions to be de-powered to a safe level for storage, recycling or shipment. Beyond service providers, the GRX-5100 is also targeted for reclamation yards where it can be used to perform critical safety checks and de-powering with the battery pack either in or out of the vehicle.

Midtronics conducted the field testing with General Motors, according to the company,

“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 is the latest in Midtronics innovative products for the hybrid/electric vehicle market. Previous product releases have included the HYB-1000 Hybrid Battery System Analyzer, designed for the aftermarket; and the GRX-5000 EV Battery Module Diagnostic Station; which performs both battery module balancing and diagnostics and was initially created in support of the Nissan Leaf program.