MAHLE Powertrain first for VCA-approved RDE test process
News
23 Jun 2016
MAHLE Powertrain has been revealed as the first independent engineering service provider (ESP) to have its real driving emissions (RDE) test process and routes approved by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).
Adoption of RDE across Europe will become mandatory for the emissions testing of all new vehicles in 2017.
The two approved RDE test routes, each about 50 miles long, both start and finish from MAHLE Powertrain’s headquarters in Northampton. Each route experiences different types of roads at different stages, including motorways and urban routes, to comply with the latest EU regulations.
MAHLE Powertrain’s RDE test process using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) provides an accurate, true to life reflection of the vehicle’s emissions and fuel consumption.
Derek Wise, MAHLE Powertrain’s chief engineer, said: “Whilst our in-vehicle sensing equipment – measuring CO2, CO and NOx levels – is similar to the system adopted for our indoor vehicle test facility, the most challenging aspect of achieving RDE approval related to the routes themselves. We’ve worked hard to develop a mix of real-world driving conditions that meet EU standards. We’re delighted to be the first independent engine test facility to gain this approval.”
