Master Thesis - Thermal Modelling of Battery Characterization Techniques

AB Volvo; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vehicle manufacturer in Gothenburg is offering a Master Thesis project focused on thermal modeling of battery characterization techniques. The project will involve building physics-based models and conducting experiments to enhance battery performance. Candidates should have an engineering background in relevant fields and knowledge of thermodynamics. The project starts between January and February 2026.

Qualifications

• Understanding thermal behavior of lithium-ion battery cells is crucial.
• Experience using COMSOL is a merit.

Responsibilities

• Build physics-based thermal models for analysis.
• Plan and analyze experiments of dummy battery cells.

Skills

Thermodynamics

COMSOL

Education

Engineering background in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

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Master Thesis - Thermal Modelling of Battery Characterization Techniques

Location: Göteborg, SE, 417 15

Position Type: Student

M.Sc. Thesis Project 2026

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Background

Understanding the thermal behavior of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells is crucial for enhancing battery performance, safety, and longevity. Accurate thermal models are key components in battery management systems used in electric vehicles. These models help to predict the heat profile of the battery which in turn is used to optimize cooling strategies. The reliability of these models heavily depends on the precise determination of thermal parameters such as specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and entropic heat coefficient of the battery. Experimental determination of these parameters, combined with appropriate modeling techniques, ensures the development of robust and reliable thermal models.

This project aims to create thermal models of experimental characterization techniques that are being used and developed at Volvo Group and Chalmers.

Scope

The period is one semester, 30 ECTS, and the preferred start time is between January - February 2026. The work will be conducted in Gothenburg at both Volvo Group Trucks Technology and Chalmers University of Technology. The scope of the thesis includes:

• Build physics-based thermal models in e.g. COMSOL for analysis of experimental techniques used to characterize thermal properties in batteries.
• Plan, conduct and analyze experiments of dummy battery cell in vacuum chamber and calorimeter to validate thermal model.

Student Profile

This thesis is suitable for an engineering student with an educational background within the field of Physics, Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. The thesis worker should understand thermodynamics. Experience using COMSOL is a merit.

We are open to having two students for this role.

Last Application Date: 30th November 2025

We will continuously review the applications during this period and start the project in the beginning of next year.

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.

Who we are and what we believe in

We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.

Every day, Volvo Group products and services ensure that people have food on the table, children arrive safely at school and roads and buildings can be constructed. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.

Joining Volvo Group, you will work with some of the world’s most iconic brands and be part of a global and leading industrial company that is harnessing automated driving, electromobility and connectivity.

Our people are passionate about what they do, they aim for high performance and thrive on teamwork and learning. Everyday life at Volvo is defined by a climate of support, care and mutual respect.

If you aspire to grow and make an impact, join us on our journey to create a better and more resilient society for the coming generations.