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What is vehicle emissions testing?
Vehicle emissions testing puts an automobile through a series of stringent assessments, according to global emissions requirements and standards. These evaluate fuel efficiency, and the amount of greenhouse gases produced under different conditions. Tests vary, depending on the technology and applicable regulatory requirements like the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP), the real driving emissions (RDE) and EURO 7 regulation.
Vehicle emissions testing usually includes the evaluation of overall engine efficiency performance, catalytic converter effectiveness, particle traps and other emissions control devices, and the system’s response to alternative fuels.
There is growing concern that car emissions test results from on-road vehicle testing in the ‘real world’ differ considerably from those conducted in the laboratory. Neither does the automotive industry have universal standardised and harmonised emissions test procedures. Emissions and fuel efficiency testing methods like RDE and WLTP were introduced by the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) to provide more transparent results. And the new EURO 7 regulations also emphasise this.
TÜV SÜD supports you in vehicle emissions testing for all types of powertrains to ensure regulatory compliance and fast market access.
How the EURO 7 regulation influences vehicle emissions testing
The EURO 7 regulation aims to tighten vehicle emissions standards in the EU and affects vehicle emissions testing by setting stricter limits for pollutants such as NOx, CO, HC and PM. It places greater emphasis on RDE testing, which ensures that reductions are reflected in real-world scenarios rather than under laboratory conditions, by requiring vehicles to meet standards over longer periods and for higher mileages.
The EURO 7 regulation also introduces limits for new pollutants such as ammonia, and brake and tyre particulates. It requires advanced on-board monitoring for continuous emissions measurement, and applies to a wider range of vehicles, including internal combustion and electric vehicles.
The regulation is expected to drive significant advances in vehicle emissions testing by ensuring cleaner vehicles and improved air quality.
Why vehicle emissions testing is important
Ensuring compliance with emissions regulations and standards compliance speeds up global market access for vehicle manufacturers. This includes the EU’s RDE testing regulations, China’s 5, 6a and 6b automotive emissions standards, the UN’s WLTP or the new EURO 7 regulation.
On the one hand, early vehicle emissions testing identifies potential innovative technical solutions in the development process, helping you determine the best approach for emission reduction. On the other hand, post-production testing ensures vehicle systems and parts perform in accordance with design specification.
Vehicle emissions testing also provides Conformity of Production (CoP) documentation. This is evidence of your ability to produce a series of products that exactly match the specification, performance, and marking requirements outlined in the type approval documentation.
By improving fuel efficiency, manufacturers can reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles through lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This lowers the overall cost of vehicle operation for consumers and is a step towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By reducing CO2 emissions, you offer your customers more environmentally friendly vehicles that strengthen your brand reputation and boost sales. Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and compliance with global environmental regulations ensures that you remain competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
How TÜV SÜD helps you with vehicle emissions testing
TÜV SÜD’s experienced global emissions experts support you with comprehensive emissions and fuel consumption tests for passenger and commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. In our state-of-the-art vehicle emissions testing laboratory in the Czech Republic, we offer vehicle emissions tests in accordance with various national and international regulations and standards, as well as industry requirements, including RDE, WLTP and in future EURO 7 regulations.
Our emissions testing lab near Prague is equipped with a roller dynamometer and engine test beds. This offers a wide range of testing possibilities, including robust RDE tests. Besides our testing lab in Czech Republic, we are working together with several partner laboratories. We are in close contact with approval authorities like the Ministry of Transport and are always up to date with emissions standards development like EURO 7.
What our vehicle emissions testing services include
Our TÜV SÜD fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions testing services include:
- Real driving emissions testing (RDE testing) – Correlation tests using portable measuring equipment (PEMS) and real driving emission test procedures, consistent with the requirements of the EU’s RDE regulations.
- New European drive cycle (NEDC) testing – Assesses emissions levels and fuel economy for light-duty vehicles and engines, under various operating conditions in accordance with European Union requirements.
- Worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedures (WLTP) – Testing and certification of new vehicle types for CO2 and exhaust emissions since 2017, as substitution of older NEDC.
- China 5 and China 6a/6b regulations – Testing in accordance with China’s national emissions regulations.
- InMotion testing – This includes vehicle measurement on the road, route digitisation and validation of speed profile, and real-life driving simulation under reproducible conditions.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) testing – Evaluates the levels of CO2 from automobile engines.
- Conformity of production (CoP) testing – Verifies emissions and fuel economy performance for use in CoP documentation.
- Emission testing for heavy-duty engines and non-road mobile machinery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is WLTP?
The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is applicable across the EU as well as China, Japan, India, Korea and other countries. It mandates the use of harmonised test procedures that can evaluate emissions and fuel efficiency in a consistently repeatable and reproducible manner.
Specific assessments under the WLTP include exhaust gases concentrations, particulate mass and particulate number, CO2 emissions, fuel and electrical energy consumption, and electrical operating range. Testing cycles are generally determined by vehicle class (Class 1, 2 or 3), which is defined by the vehicle’s power/weight ratio. The WLTP includes several changes from existing requirements under the EU’s New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) procedure.
Specific assessments under the WLTP include exhaust gases concentrations, particulate mass and particulate number, CO2 emissions, fuel and electrical energy consumption, and electrical operating range. Testing cycles are generally determined by vehicle class (Class 1, 2 or 3), which is defined by the vehicle’s power/weight ratio. The WLTP includes several changes from existing requirements under the EU’s New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) procedure.
What is RDE?
The EU’s Real Driving Emissions (RDE) regulations require the use of a portable emissions measuring system (PEMS) attached to the vehicle to measure vehicle pollutant emissions under actual driving conditions. RDE test results are then correlated with emissions results obtained in the testing laboratory. Testing under the EU’s RDE is now required. Since 1 September 2017, type approval requirements also consider emissions levels identified during RDE testing. Vehicles that fail RDE testing cannot be placed on the market as of that date.
What are the main changes introduced by EURO 7 compared to EURO 6?
The EURO 7 regulation has more stringent limits on pollutants such as NOx, CO, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. It also establishes standards for pollutants and particles from brakes and tyres. EURO 7 also places greater emphasis on real-driving car emissions testing. This includes the requirement for vehicles to meet these standards for a longer duration and higher mileage. This increases the focus on real-world driving conditions and long-term compliance.
How will EURO 7 impact the design and development of new vehicles?
To meet EURO 7’s rigorous emission limits and comprehensive durability, manufacturers must invest in advanced technologies. This includes enhanced catalytic converters, particulate filters, and onboard monitoring systems. Significant changes in vehicle design and material choices will be required as the regulation requires an emissions reduction for brakes and tires.
When will EURO 7 regulations come into effect, and how will the transition period be managed?
EURO 7 is expected to come into effect in the mid-2020s. During the transition automotive manufacturers will have to introduce new or updated models that meet new requirements. Regulatory bodies will keep a close watch on progress to ensure compliance and minimise disruption to the automotive market.
