FPT gains EU certification for high-voltage batteries

FPT has received certification under European Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as a manufacturer of high-voltage batteries, making it one of three manufacturers in Europe to hold the status.

The certification followed an audit of the design, development and manufacturing process for the FPT eBS 37 EVO high-voltage battery at the company's ePowertrain plant in Turin.

Auditors from TÜV SÜD Denmark carried out the review, with representatives from Denmark's national accreditation body, DANAK, and Italy's accreditation body, Accredia, also involved. The audit covered the full production process for the battery pack, which is used in light commercial vehicles, minibuses and pleasure boating applications.

The move comes as battery makers in Europe prepare for wider implementation of the EU batteries regulation. FPT has been complying with the requirements since 2024, ahead of the point at which the audit becomes mandatory for all European battery manufacturers.

Audit process

FPT's battery plant in Turin was the focus of the assessment. TÜV SÜD selected the manufacturer for what FPT described as a pilot audit, while Iveco Group's Vehicle & Battery Homologation function also took part because it is responsible for type approval of FPT's high-voltage batteries.

The process also marked a separate step for TÜV SÜD Denmark. The technical service provider obtained accreditation from DANAK under the same regulation, allowing it to certify high-voltage battery manufacturers with a CE mark and making it one of the first three such providers in Europe.

Simone Gianoglio, Technology & Digital Validation & Homologation, Vehicle & Battery Homologation, Iveco Group, described the outcome as an early test of readiness under the new rules.

"FPT demonstrated strong readiness ahead of schedule by passing the audit," Gianoglio said.

"This is all the more gratifying for us since we were specifically chosen by TÜV SÜD for a pilot audit. This prestigious certification testifies to our commitment to reliable, high-performance electrification solutions, with our range of advanced battery management systems and innovative energy storage systems designed to maximise battery life and efficiency across a wide range of mission requirements."

Battery details

The certified product, the eBS 37 EVO, is a 37 kWh battery pack for light commercial vehicles, minibuses and marine applications. The modular pack can be configured with up to four packs in parallel and up to two in series.

According to published specifications, the battery uses lithium-ion cells with NMC 811 cathode chemistry and a water-cooled system. It has a nominal voltage of 355V, a stated energy density of more than 140 Wh/kg, weighs 260kg and has a life cycle of 2,500 cycles.

FPT said the battery pack uses its in-house eBM 5 battery management system. It added that the product is designed to comply with ECE R100.4 and ECE R10.6 standards and is "battery passport-ready", reflecting traceability requirements that are becoming more prominent in the European battery market.

The audit also examined quality systems and assembly-line processes in detail. FPT described feedback from auditors and observers as positive.

Yalcin Ölmez, Lead Auditor for the EU Batteries Regulation, TÜV SÜD Denmark, commented on the inspection of the Turin site.

"At FPT, we have seen a highly motivated and very professional team that has fully committed to embedding quality in the manufacturing process," Ölmez said.

"What we have seen is battery production that meets the highest standards."

FPT is the powertrain brand of Iveco Group and employs more than 8,000 people across 10 production sites and 10 research and development centres. Its business spans engines, transmissions, axles and electric driveline systems for on-road, off-road, marine and power generation markets.