Skip to main content

Automotive OEMs standardise testing to comply with RDE deadlines, say researchers

Following 'dieselgate', the previously lax automobile emission testing procedures tightened and all European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are now required to implement real driving emissions (RDE). In September, RDE testing will have a conformity factor of 2.1, which will change to 1.5 by September 2021. OEMs will be more transparent with their testing methods and results. After the implementation of RDE, adoption of World Harmonisation Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will be simpler. The
February 15, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Following 'dieselgate', the previously lax automobile emission testing procedures tightened and all European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are now required to implement real driving emissions (RDE). In September, RDE testing will have a conformity factor of 2.1, which will change to 1.5 by September 2021. OEMs will be more transparent with their testing methods and results. After the implementation of RDE, adoption of World Harmonisation Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will be simpler.

The European Union is currently focused on standardising testing procedures globally. Testing procedures such as RDE, WLTP and New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) will help the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) regulate and lower emission levels for all OEMs in highly urbanised areas.

“Shifting from NEDC to RDE is a critical step as real driving conditions will have a greater impact on powertrain technologies,” said 2097 Frost & Sullivan mobility research analyst Arvind Noel Xavier Leo. “OEMs will have to look at alternative technologies as well as optimise existing technologies to meet the requirements of the RDE testing procedure.”

The research by Frost & Sullivan, Executive Analysis of Real Driving Emissions (RDE) and their Implementation, finds that the RDE phase-in and NEDC-WLTP dual testing will be implemented by 2017 in the EU, while markets such as California and China with strict emission regulations will adopt WLTP/RDE only after its implementation in Europe. Related topics in this subscription include WLTP, LED PMA policy, powertrain and EV, hybrid-electric truck and bus, and e-hailing.

One of the biggest challenges in the shift towards advanced powertrain technologies is the high costs. The shift is also a test of technical service providers' capability to adjust to the changes; service providers such as AVL, Ricardo, Continental, ICCT and Bosch have been enhancing their technologies to examine and certify OEMs' vehicles, developing low production cost technologies.

“OEMs are investing heavily in developing low production cost technologies to be implemented in their fleet. Adopting WLTP/RDE will drive improvements such as downsizing, multiple boosting systems, direct injection engines, hybridisation and exhaust systems,” noted Leo. “OEMs will look to optimize these technologies to obtain uncompromised results in RDE.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Germany’ plans subsidies to encourage EV use ‘an interesting move’
    April 29, 2016
    Germany has announced plans to motivate German citizens to buy electric and hybrid vehicles, say news reports, with a plan that the transport ministry hopes will boost sluggish electric-vehicle sales. The plan is expected to cost US$1.35 billion (€1.2 billion), with the government and automakers sharing the cost. Car buyers will receive a US$4,530 (€4,000) discount on electric vehicles and a US$3,398 ($3,000) discount on hybrids. The proposal also includes the installation of more charging stations
  • Imaging technologies to reduce driver distraction ‘expected to gain traction by 2020’
    July 21, 2015
    Frost and Sullivan’s latest report indicates that following a series of high-technology head up display (HUD) roll-outs, the automotive industry appears keen to adopt the imaging technology with the widest field of view (FOV) of up to 12 degrees x 5 degrees. Another HUD product feature to improve considerably is the brightness of virtual images, which increased up to 15000cd/m², even with lower power consumption. Digital light processing (DLP) and laser display are emerging as compelling alternatives to the
  • EV inductive charging set to gain traction
    June 13, 2014
    New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Inductive Charging for Global Electric Vehicles (EV) Market, finds that the total market for inductive charging is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 126.6 per cent from 2012 to 2020, with approximately 351,900 units likely to be sold. Inductive charging will account for 1.2 per cent of both public and residential charging in North America and more than 2.6 per cent in Europe. Residential charging will be the most popular method,
  • Daimler and Volvo take lead in European implementation of V2V
    March 7, 2014
    New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the European Market for V2V and V2I Communication Systems, expects more than 40 per cent of vehicles to use vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication technologies by 2030. Daimler and Volvo are anticipated to lead the implementation of V2V communication systems among vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across Europe. Vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication systems have also been finding significant traction in Europe, especially in