Makmal Hijau is one of the key components in the Bateriku ecosystem. It was officially launched on 7 August 2025 and is tasked with ensuring the quality and testing of automotive batteries marketed by Bateriku.
Although the work of Makmal Hijau may not be visible at first glance, they are truly the backbone of Astra batteries. They are the unsung heroes. Their hard work ensures that every battery reaching customers meets the technical specifications of their vehicles and is completely safe.
Makmal Hijau Subjects Astra Batteries to Rigorous Testing
To guarantee that Astra batteries deliver on their promises, Makmal Hijau conducts a range of tests to ensure Astra batteries operate at optimal performance. For lead-acid batteries, the tests follow the IEC 60095-1 standard. Key evaluations include capacity test, Cold Cranking Amperes (CCA), corrosion, and vibration testing.
Capacity Testing (C20)
The first essential evaluation is capacity testing, capacity testing verifies that the advertised battery capacity reflects its true performance. Batteries are fully charged for 16 hours, and then discharged under constant current until the voltage the required voltage for 20 hours. This test confirms that customers get exactly what they pay for.
Cold Cranking Amperes (CCA) Testing
Equally important is the CCA rating. The CCA rating indicates a battery’s ability to deliver a specific current to start engine components. According to testing methodology, batteries must be at -18°C during the CCA test. To achieve this, they are stored overnight in a chamber, simulating the harshest winter conditions a battery might face.
Corrosion Testing
Among all the evaluations conducted, corrosion testing requires the longest duration and demands exceptional patience from the testing team. Batteries are submerged and under charging state in a 60° C water bath for 26 days to accelerate chemical reactions that normally take months or years. Following this prolonged exposure, voltage output is meticulously measured to verify the integrity of the lead plates inside the battery, ensuring long-term durability.
Vibration Testing
Another critical assessment is vibration testing, which simulates the extreme mechanical stress conditions that batteries experience inside a vehicle's engine compartment during actual road use Batteries are placed on a motorised platform that produces controlled vibrations. Voltage output is measured after the test and any reading outside specification indicates potential damage to the lead plates, such as fractures caused by the shaking.
Comprehensive Testing Takes Time
These four primary tests represent just a fraction of the extensive evaluations that Makmal Hijau routinely conducts on Astra batteries. The thoroughness required for quality assurance means that a complete test cycle for a single battery can take more than two weeks of continuous monitoring.
Furthermore, multiple cycles are frequently repeated to ensure absolute accuracy and consistency in results. Consequently, one comprehensive full-spectrum test for a battery can extend up to four months from start to completion.
This substantial time commitment represents one of the primary challenges faced by the dedicated team at Makmal Hijau.
Beyond Testing: Makmal Hijau's Role in Warranty Support
The crucial work of Makmal Hijau doesn't end once batteries pass initial quality testing and reach the market. Bateriku offers nationwide warranty coverage for Astra batteries. Users experiencing any battery-related issues can conveniently visit any Bateriku Pitstop location across the country for professional inspection and immediate warranty claim processing.
If a battery is found defective, it is replaced, and the faulty unit is tested at Makmal Hijau to determine the root cause. Findings are shared with battery production facilities to improve future products.
Ambitious Future Plans for Makmal Hijau's Expansion
Makmal Hijau’s vision goes beyond testing Bateriku’s own products. The lab is preparing to offer testing services to third parties and serves as Bateriku’s R&D hub, seeking new, affordable and eco-friendly automotive battery solutions, and expanding their operation to cover electric vehicles (EV) as well.
Preparing for ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation
The lab is applying for ISO/IEC 17025 certification through the Department of Standards Malaysia. This international standard ensures high competence for testing and calibration laboratories, producing scientifically reliable results.
For Makmal Hijau, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is like a “passport” for test results, recognized globally, allowing broader collaboration with domestic and international partners.
Exploring Greener Energy Storage Solutions for Sustainable Future
Beyond their expertise with traditional lead-acid technology, the research team at Makmal Hijau is actively identifying greener energy storage solutions as viable alternatives to conventional lead-acid batteries, supporting the global transition toward sustainable transportation.
Two promising candidates currently under intensive study are lithium-based battery technology and sodium-based battery technology. Each chemistry offers distinct advantages that make them suitable for different applications and market segments.
The laboratory is also strategically planning to establish a specialized testing facility specifically designed and equipped to conduct comprehensive safety and performance testing on electric vehicle (EV) batteries, positioning Bateriku at the forefront of the automotive industry's electrification transformation.
Makmal Hijau: The Unsung Hero Behind Bateriku’s Excellence
The cumulative impact of all these efforts are evident in Bateriku's market reputation today. All 28 Astra battery SKUs are SIRIM-certified, proving Bateriku’s commitment to safe, high-quality automotive batteries.
As previously mentioned, Makmal Hijau reduces reliance on third-party labs while maintaining high standards for quality and safety. Within the Bateriku ecosystem, the lab functions like a quality control officer, ensuring only top-caliber products reach consumers.
For your next car battery replacement, choose Bateriku.
