In the past, test beds were gradually developed to bring an increasing number of driving situations from the road to the lab, enabling tests to be performed in a repeatable manner. This progress refined the development of the internal combustion engine (ICE) on the test bench, which improved the level of the vehicles significantly. Then, OEMs had to ensure that their vehicles were compliant with the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test. Previously, it was sufficient to comply with emissions in the legally required cycles. Now the vehicle’s entire operating range must be tuned to optimally fit the emission limits, and the adjustments have to work for standard conditions for a broad range of routes (urban, countryside, highways, etc.), traffic situations, or any kind of weather or road conditions (heat, cold, rain). The impact of different driver types also needs to be considered.
The increased complexity of hybrid propulsion systems means that standard development methodology has started to reach its limits. This is because a disproportionately high number of different test runs is required to fully cover all driving situations. We offer a solution to the problem, using a model-based development approach. This optimizes the development tasks considerably, by employing physical, empirical models for the engine, exhaust gas aftertreatment, and the entire system.
In addition, regarding RDE, we have introduced a new generation of portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS). Based on our longstanding experience in automotive test systems, we have a profound understanding of the newly evolved needs, and provide solutions that help our customers overcome these challenges. From 100% virtual test beds to 100% real-world testing, we support all stages of the development process with our advanced solutions.
From today’s perspective, the ICE will remain an attractive part of the future propulsion system technology mix, exploiting the synergies with the electrification within hybridized propulsion systems. Our testing portfolio offers the complete toolchain for traditional ICE testing, hybrid testing, and alternative fuel engine testing. With 75 years of automotive experience and a global network of experts, we help OEMs meet their commitments by uniting technology and global legal requirements.
AVL supports the implementation of large test fields with ICE, hybrid, and e-mobility testbeds, as well as small projects. Our extensive application knowledge enables us to find the optimal solution for each customer. A flexible approach allows easy conversion from hybrid to fully electric systems, for example, which makes our solutions futureproof and investment-proof.
AVL is the global partner for the most efficient, flexible, and reliable testing solutions, for all ICE-based and hybrid transportation vehicles, for components, and for complete systems, and using the most innovative technologies.

> 50
years of experience in ICE/hybrid propulsion testing
> 3500
experts globally