Automotive E-SSENTIALS

NEW MOBILITY BRINGS MOMENTUM TO TYPE APPROVAL

Changed mobility concepts such as hybrid drive and alternative energy from electricity and hydrogen mean change and new challenges for the homologation of vehicles. New requirements are necessary and are sometimes controversially discussed in the market.

The General Safety Regulation (GSR) of the EU in its latest form (GSR 2 Reg. (EU) 2019/2144), alternative energy sources such as hydrogen or synthetic fuels, new drive technologies, innovative cybersecurity services - the modern variety of topics is currently causing lively discussions in the field of vehicle homologation. Classical services have to be rethought and adapted to customer needs. This includes, for example, the SOH (State of Health) testing of traction batteries in used cars or for further use in other areas. The buzzword here is "second use" - for example as storage in solar systems. Emission measurements for alternative drive concepts also continue to be part of the homologation experts' daily work. One keyword here is Euro 7: in the planned next stage of the emissions standard, the same limit values will apply for petrol and diesel engines for the first time. Since the combustion engine is about to be phased out in Europe, Euro 7 is one of the last steps here. However, change is also progressing in other areas, such as cybersecurity, which is expanding the current spectrum. New job posts for experts have already been created at the Federal Motor Transport Authority specifically for this new area.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)

Also brand new: the Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). As early as July 2022, it will gradually become compulsory as part of the GSR, according to the wishes of the EU Commission. It is to be made technically more difficult for the driver to exceed a speed limit. In addition, the GSR 2 contains a whole list of other new regulations, which, however, are often still in their infancy in terms of implementation. This non-transparency and short-notice changes are often criticized.

As an experienced homologation expert, TÜV SÜD will also help its customers to ensure that their systems like speed assistance systems, alcohol interlock installation, driver drowsiness and attention warning or the event data recorder, which are on the GSR list, are homologated always according to the recent up-to-date regulations.

New technology changes procedures

In the past, experts on licensing issues were mainly concerned with the safety of vehicles themselves. With automated driving, it is also important to see the car in the context of the infrastructure and other road users. Therefore, there will also be changes in the main inspection and in periodic emission tests. Electronic systems will become even more important, and we will have to adapt to synthetic fuels in the area of exhaust emissions.