EBL introduces Hybrid Electric Vehicle battery revitalising technology to Sri Lanka

Edirisinghe Brothers Ltd. (EBL) announced the opening of Hybrid Hub, a purpose-built facility for the testing, conditioning and rebuilding of batteries for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) – the only such facility in Sri Lanka. 

Hybrid Hub Co-Chief Operating Officer Sanka Edirisinghe alluded to the changes in Sri Lankan vehicle owners’ lifestyles as among the key factors that encouraged EBL to begin this bold venture.

“Sri Lankan vehicle owners have shown a marked shift towards HEVs, and the demand shows little sign of slowing down. Unfortunately, the infrastructure required to provide specialised maintenance services for this burgeoning market hasn’t grown quite as rapidly. Although a number of organisations have ventured into the service market for HEVs, there is a severe lack of technical authority, specialised diagnostic tools and understanding of safety procedures necessary to ensure the long-term health of the vehicle.”

EBL sought to address those vital areas by securing world-class hybrid diagnostic technology, training and support from Automotive Research and Design (AR&D), USA, via their Master Franchisor for Asia Pacific – Growth Dynamics (Singapore). In addition, Optima Werkz (Singapore) will provide automotive technical support to Hybrid Hub. The proprietary technology at the heart of Hybrid Hub’s battery testing, conditioning and rebuilding was developed by Dr. Mark Quarto and his team at AR&D.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Quarto said: “There is a notion that your traditional workshop or mechanic would be able to pinpoint and diagnose a malfunctioning HEV. That is simply not true if the workshop is not trained and lacks the proper equipment for hybrid specific diagnostics and maintenance.”

Dr. Quarto elaborated further: “The battery subsystem is the first to ‘age’ or fail in a HEV due to various factors like ambient temperatures, drive cycle and age. Proper testing is the only way to determine its true State-of-Health in order to effect a proper diagnosis. The proprietary AR&D tools and software allow Hybrid Hub technicians to safely remove the battery from a HEV, isolate the underperforming modules of the battery and, thereafter, revive. All of this using the most accurate, cutting edge HEV battery diagnostic equipment in the world.”

The revolutionary technology at the heart of its operation can only be availed exclusively at Hybrid Hub in Sri Lanka.

Singapore-based Growth Dynamics has signed an exclusive agreement to provide continuous training and support in the areas of hybrid diagnostics to the technical staff at Hybrid Hub. 

“Growth Dynamics is pleased with our decision to appoint Hybrid Hub as our first Asia Pacific Exclusive Franchisee for AR&D technology in Sri Lanka and will continue to support the team,   who possess the technical understanding necessary to provide world-class hybrid-grade diagnostics and maintenance services to the Sri Lankan vehicle owner,” said Marcus Li, Assistant Manager Business Development for Growth Dynamics Ltd.

Optima Werkz, Singapore is the supporting partner for Hybrid Hub and will provide technical support in the areas of vehicle diagnostics and repairs with its experience as Singapore’s leading workshop for Continental, Japanese, Korean and Supercars. 

“Optima Werkz has long been established as Singapore’s one-stop shop for automotive engineering services. The combined heritage in automotive engineering that both EBL and Optima Werkz possesses will bringing superior vehicle maintenance solutions to Sri Lanka,” said Jason Ang, Managing Director of Optima Werks Ltd. 

Hybrid Hub’s current service capacity accommodates HEVs, but is expected to cater to EVs in the coming months.