Manufacturing firm Swindon Powertrain has launched the first commercially available ‘off the shelf’ battery pack for electric vehicles.
The company, which hit the headlines in 2019 after retrofitting classic (1959-2000) Minis with electric engines, says its battery pack will ease light duty vehicle developers into electrification.
The battery pack – available in both 30kWh and 60kWh HED versions – can be used to power passenger cars, taxis, and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Before now, niche manufacturers have had to develop their own packs each time or source parts from used EVs.
The battery pack was developed in order to solve its own supply chain issues.
Now it has commenced battery assembly in its facility that was originally used to build race-winning F1 engines in the 1970s, and today makes the engines for Hyundai’s British Touring Car Championship cars.
“Niche manufacturers and conversion specialists told us they couldn’t source new, industry-grade batteries from the big suppliers who aren’t interested in low-volume supply,” said Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphaël Caillé.
“This has led to some recycling parts from used EVs, often of unknown provenance. HED means they have a fresh, turnkey battery pack complete with the peace of mind that comes from over 50 years of supplying to the motorsport and automotive markets.”