Midtronics GRX-5100 simplifies servicing hybrid and EV batteries

[MummyChunk]

From ENG




Midtronics Develops New GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Service Tool

WILLOWBROOK, Ill., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Midtronics, Inc. today
announced the completion of initial field testing for the GRX-5100
Hybrid/EV Battery Station, the first high-voltage Hybrid/EV vehicle
battery service and de-power tool for various hybrid and electric
vehicles. The GRX-5100 safely de-powers high-voltage batteries and
also enables service for the battery system at the module level,
reducing manufacturer warranty costs and repair time and expense for
customers.

Currently completing field testing at General Motors, 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.

"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 a versatile electrical harness between vehicle
batteries and communication systems via unique adapters for each
vehicle model. Simple menu prompts guide verification that the battery
and communication systems are properly connected and balancing or
de-powering operations can safely begin. The station also utilizes
USB-based memory, which will support system updates for future vehicle
battery systems without a hardware upgrade.

"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, GM senior
manager of global battery lifecycle management.

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.

About Midtronics

Midtronics is a worldwide leader and provider of vehicle battery
testing and management products and services. Founded in 1984,
Midtronics remains singularly focused on battery management
innovation. The company continues advancing the standard in its
industry, supplying customers with custom battery management solutions
that meet evolving needs, including those related to hybrid, electric
and other new vehicle systems. Visit www.midtronics.com for more
information.