Mahle Powertrain becomes first provider to offer VCA-approved emission tests

Mahle Powertrain, the global leader in engine development and consultancy, is 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) – UK’s national approval authority for new vehicles.

Mahle’s approval comes well in advance of the adoption of RDE across Europe in 2017, when portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) will become mandatory for the emissions testing of all new vehicles. In 2018, the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will most probably replace the current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test cycle as the standard for vehicle emissions testing in the wake of the dieselgate scandal, which has compromised faith in the existing rolling road test method to measure representative fuel economy and emissions values. The WLTP cycle is intended to more closely simulate real-world driving styles with more time spent at higher speeds and loads, including more aggressive acceleration and braking phases.

The two approved RDE test routes both start and finish from Mahle Powertrain’s headquarters in Northampton. Each route is around 80km long and encompasses several different types of roads, including motorways and urban routes, to comply with the latest EU regulations.

Mahle Powertrain’s RDE test process using PEMS has been carefully designed over a long period so that it provides an accurate, true to life reflection of the vehicle’s emissions and fuel consumption.

Derek Wise, Mahle Powertrain’s chief engineer – build and test – said: “Whilst our in-vehicle sensing equipment – measuring CO₂, CO and NO_x 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.”

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