Electric powertrain testing
End-to-end electrified powertrain testing services delivered in our state-of-the-art EPRC facility. We offer a seamless service that embraces software and simulation from concept through the product development process, incorporating physical test as an essential touchpoint at key stages.
End-to-end electrified powertrain testing services delivered in our state-of-the-art EPRC facility. We offer a seamless service that embraces software and simulation from concept through the product development process, incorporating physical test as an essential touchpoint at key stages.
Ricardo's capability in vehicle testing uses state-of-the-art digital engineering techniques and tools. We reduce development time and cost by linking physical and virtual development, particularly for software which now typically drives the critical development path for complex electrified systems.
Projects
Advanced hybrid-electric propulsion for aerospace
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E-Tracker - Electric Motorcycle
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Life cycle analyses of electric and internal combustion vehicles
Read case studyRicardo's expertise
Ricardo's capability in vehicle testing uses state-of-the-art digital engineering techniques and tools. We reduce development time and cost by linking physical and virtual development, particularly for software which now typically drives the critical development path for complex electrified systems.
The Electrified Propulsion Research Centre can operate 24/7 with full integration of test scheduling, climatic control and other automation capabilities. The EPRC has a comprehensive range of measurement equipment to support test programmes, all controlled by the automation system. The EPRC has modular test equipment to support:
- High performance and 4WD projects
- Climatic powertrain rig testing
- Fuels and lubrication and cooling fluids testing in EVs
To support delivering high-quality solutions for its customers, we have implemented processes that meet the required criteria of a range of internationally recognised standards.
We can also offer remote access testing where customers can witness and interact with testing live from anywhere in the world using the Ricardo developed global test environment.
The Electrified Propulsion Research Centre can be set up to calibrate, measure and test a range of vehicle including ICE, hybrid and fully electric vehicle technologies:
- High performance EV
- High performance hybrid
- High performance ICE
EV technology provides high performance vehicles with dynamic capabilities that have previously been unachievable. Instant motor torque available from standstill, with excellent delivery to the road surface through traction control, has the potential to deliver outstanding vehicle performance.
However, the design, implementation and optimisation of these systems is extremely complex. The EPRC provides a comprehensive test platform that is capable in all these respects: hardware selection and integration, control system development and total system validation.
The Electrified Propulsion Research Centre is designed for high performance testing of electric vehicles in a variety of climatic conditions:
- Low Inertia Dynamometers
Ultra-low Inertia Permanent Magnet (PM) machines enable us to reproduce the high acceleration rates and dynamic transient events associated with high performance vehicles. Dynamic conditions such as variable traction surfaces, torque vectoring and aggressive driving inputs can be simulated to evaluate and validate vehicle control systems of high performance vehicles.
- Thermal Management of High Performance Systems
The thermal management characteristics of high performance systems under test conditions can be measured under a variety of climatic conditions, from -12°C to 50°C. This capability enables characterisation of the vehicle performance through a wide range of real-world conditions, not only those available in a test facility with fixed ambient temperature. Electric battery range, thermal management and optimisation of vehicle performance and cabin comfort can be assessed, developed and optimised to meet the needs of demanding customers.
- Variety of Climatic Test Conditions
Climate controlled test environment enables testing under a variety of real world temperature conditions.
Our EPRC facility is available to service customers across industry sectors. We work with vehicle OEMs, tier one suppliers and fleet operators to deliver high quality solutions.
The Electrified Propulsion Research Centre can operate 24/7 with full integration of test scheduling, climatic control and other automation capabilities. The EPRC has a comprehensive range of measurement equipment to support test programmes, all controlled by the automation system. The EPRC has modular test equipment to support:
- High performance and 4WD projects
- Climatic powertrain rig testing
- Fuels and lubrication and cooling fluids testing in EVs
Equipment
- Twin inter-connected climatic test chambers operating between -12°C and +50°C with controlled humidity
- Four low-inertia PM dynamometers each rated at 314kW, 3000Nm continuous
- Total 1100kW of electrical power absorption from dynamometers
- Modular, reconfigurable fluid conditioning, cooling and ventilation systems
- 2x 400kW 1100V battery simulators
- Fully transient control and automation system with flexible test cycle programming
- Interfaces to a comprehensive range of measurement systems, including analytical instruments and high-speed data acquisition
- Accommodates a range of applications - including automotive, commercial, industrial and off-highway, defence, motorcycles and motorsport
Learn more about the Electrified Propulsion Research Centre (EPRC)
Flexible, modular layout
Enables us to install and test discreet powertrain subsystems all the way up to full vehicles and everything in-between.
Climatic and humidity controlled
Enables climate testing to temperatures below -10°C and in excess of 50°C , including the option of external fluid conditioning when required.
High performance testing
Our dynamic, low-inertia dynamometers can achieve over 1MW of transient power absorption in a range of configurations enabling us test very high performance systems.
Battery simulation
Our battery simulation capabilities of up to 800KW at 1100V can accommodate very high performance EV powertrains.
Digitally-enabled
Our digital twin system enables parallel virtual product development to allow us real-world test of powertrain system without the need for prototype vehicles.
Test automation and control
Can be fully integrated with a real-time simulation environment, in order to perform different dynamic scenarios to represent driver, transmission, vehicle characteristics, disturbances and interactions with the external environment.
Electric powertrain testing Resources
