The rail equipment division of the multinational transportation firm Bombardier is set to unveil a landmark test bed and innovation centre for electric propulsion technology at the Finnslätten business park in Västerås, Sweden, with a scheduled opening in 2023.
The Global e-Mobility Test & Technology Center will facilitate joint research and development for future transport solutions, primarily focusing on next generation energy-efficient propulsion systems. It will allow Bombardier Transportation to carry out propulsion development and validation tests in a new purpose-built facility for R&D, engineering and manufacturing.
The co-creation arena for e-mobility will invite a wide range of collaboration partners from industry, the start-up sector and academia.
Danny Di Perna, President, Bombardier Transportation, comments:
“Sweden is the ideal location to develop next generation energy-efficient electric propulsion systems to enable clean transportation in the rail and automotive sectors. We are proud to build on our extensive e-mobility expertise to provide the Swedish industrial ecosystem with a leading, fast-paced innovation environment that is unique. This investment will contribute to the further revitalisation of the Nordic rail industry, bringing innovative new technologies and business opportunities, and reaffirming Bombardier’s leadership position in this market and commitment to low carbon and sustainable transportation.”
Bombardier’s open test lab will provide a unique platform for collaboration with a view to fast-track market opportunities and pool together leading talent in electromobility. The facility will be adjoined to the company’s existing Swedish production sites at the Finnslätten business park.
Torbjörn Bengtsson, Director, Investment Promotion, Invest Västerås, says:
“This initiative demonstrates the experience and expertise found in the Västerås region in the field of electrification of, for example, heavy-duty vehicles and rolling stock equipment. We are very pleased that Bombardier is launching its Global Test & Technology Center at Finnslätten where industry, real estate owners, academia and public agencies are working closely to attract global technology leaders and skilled personnel.”
Fredrik Fexe, Executive Vice President, Business Sweden, concludes:
“Sweden is at the frontline of the push to decarbonise both industrial and civil transport. Like Bombardier, we believe that collaboration between industry, academia and start-ups is the key formula for rapidly developing e-mobility solutions for global markets. We are proud to welcome Bombardier’s new innovation centre in Västerås which will offer excellent opportunities for cross-fertilisation of ideas and talent.”
Bombardier expects that the Global e-Mobility Test & Technology Center will have broad European benefits thanks to its ability to add value to the development and testing of all types of heavy e-mobility applications and systems, including construction and mining equipment as well as road transport vehicles.
About Finnslätten
Finnslätten business park in Västerås, Sweden, has a leading position in the field of energy and electrification with more than 9,000 specialists employed by global companies such as Bombardier Transportation, ABB, Westinghouse Electric and Voith Hydro. Finnslätten has recently attracted advanced energy research projects from Mälardalen University as well as large investments from Northvolt (battery R&D) and Amazon Web Services (data centre).
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation is a global mobility solution provider leading the way with the rail industry’s broadest portfolio. It covers the full spectrum of solutions, ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling to complete turnkey transport systems, e-mobility technology and data-driven maintenance services.
Combining technology and performance with empathy, Bombardier Transportation continuously breaks new ground in sustainable mobility by providing integrated solutions that create substantial benefits for operators, passengers and the environment. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Bombardier Transportation employs around 36,000 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries.
Photo credit: Bombardier Transportation