Vehicle emissions testing
Full-service vehicle emissions testing for ICE, HEV and EV powertrains and fluid products enabling emissions control and performance optimisation.
Full-service vehicle emissions testing for ICE, HEV and EV powertrains and fluid products enabling emissions control and performance optimisation.
Our facilities enable a range of vehicle testing, development and certification services utilising state-of-the-art equipment and world-class engineering knowledge. We support our clients in creating the next generation of clean, efficient transportation.
Projects
Ricardo celebrates opening of state-of-the-art hydrogen test facility in Shoreham
Read press release
Marine engine remote certification testing
Read case study
Heavy-duty hydrogen engines for truck, marine and non-road applications
Read insightRicardo's emissions testing expertise
We have world-class vehicle emissions test capability with the flexibility to cover a range of testing needs.
The centre can operate 24/7 with complete test scheduling, climatic control and other automation capabilities.
The Vehicle Emissions Research Centre enables a range of vehicle testing, development and certification services utilising state-of-the-art equipment and world-class engineering knowledge.
The 4WD climate chassis dyno test facility is equipped with state-of- the-art measurement equipment which enables us to have precise control over test conditions and to provide analysis which discerns the smallest differences between tests.
Types of testing available
- Homologation testing for global markets
- Conformity of Production (CoP) & In Service Conformity (ISC) testing
- Aftertreatment system evaluation
- Calibration development for regulated emissions, fuel consumption, drivability and hot/cold start behaviour
- Vehicle development
- Extreme climatic testing
- Hybrid and electric vehicle testing
- Benchmarking
- Product launch support
- Component development
- Fuels and lubricant development
- Durability testing
- Mileage accumulation
- On road Real Driving Emissions (RDE) measurement using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS)
Ricardo test engineers are experts in Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing. Our skilled team of emissions test experts is backed up by state of-the-art equipment to deliver a reliable RDE programme which is flexible to the requirements of our customers.
Our Real Driving Emissions testing programme is the result of years of world-class RDE research and development and emissions expertise including the measurement process, data processing procedures, and emissions standards and legislation.
We offer an emissions testing programme which meets global standards and matches the exacting requirements of our customers and the operational parameters of the powertrain.
Our RDE capability includes:
- Five Horiba OBS-ONE PEMS
- A range of different flow tubes to match to each vehicle
- PN measurement capability down to 10nm
- Onsite calibration team
- Data processing tools – EMROAD and CLEAR
- Back to back road vs test cell measurement and correlation
- Compliance to RDE package 4 certification testing
Our emissions testing centre is ideally located in Shoreham-by-Sea with access to local validated routes comprising of a range of driving conditions that forms the basis of RDE testing including; rural, urban, fast highway roads, and a range of gradients.
Testing is performed on these validated road routes to global standards. The results are reportable to determine the conformity factor of the vehicle to the manufacturer’s stated performance.
We use state-of-the-art exhaust emissions testing equipment including portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS machine) to directly measure tailpipe emissions on route with precision.
Our dedicated team of PEMS engineers, technicians and chemists also support testing by managing all preparation activity from our RDE hub including fuel change, chassis dyno test, road test and data processing.
With 24/7 operation and remote testing capability, our customers trust Ricardo to deliver a streamlined testing service. Our delivery processes ensure a quick turnaround time at a competitive price. All supported by our expert engineers, technicians and chemists who provide in-depth analysis and support to help our clients get the most out of their results.
Our VERC facility is available and open for bookings where we are servicing customers across industry sectors. We work with vehicle OEMs, tier one suppliers and fleet operators to deliver high quality solutions.
| 4WD Facility | 2WD Facility | |
| Dynamometer | 4WD | 2WD |
| Max speed | 250 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Max power | 170 kW | 150 kW |
| Vehicle wheelbase length | 1800-4400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle height | 3000 mm | 2100mm |
| Vehicle track width | 800-2300 mm | 913-2184 mm |
| Max vehicle height | 4500 kg total 2500 kg maximum axle weight |
3400 kg |
| Temperature control | -30 °C to +55 °C | -20°C to +40°C |
| Humidity control | 5.5 – 12.2 g H2O/kg dry air | 5.5g – 12.2 g H2O/kg dry air |
| Vehicle cooling fan | Adjustable cooling fan 1400x550-900 mm 165 km/h |
Adjustable cooling fan 530 x 1000 mm Up to 130 km/h |
| Automation | Horiba STARS-VETS | HORIBA PC-VETS |
| Emissions measurement | MEXA ONE | MEXA 7000 |
| CVS tunnels | 3 | 2 |
| Soak capacity | Ambient soak chamber ~16 vehicles Climatically controlled transit / soak area 2x dedicated climatic chambers |
~5-6 vehicles ambient soak 2x climatic soak chambers |
The next major wave of European vehicle emissions regulation presents a significant challenge for the automotive and commercial vehicle industries.
Ricardo has been at the forefront of developing methodologies and techniques to measure emissions to Euro 7 emissions regulations and has actively helped to shape the Euro 7/VII legislation through R&D projects.
Our ICE and Calibration engineering experts are supporting customers in readiness for the new emissions standards by assessing current products and development of future products to meet these standards. This includes future emissions testing, hardware selection testing and control technologies, including sensitivity studies to control new pollutants.
Our emissions testing services
Homologation and type approval certification
We offer a range of accredited vehicle certification and type approval services to ensure that our customers can take their products to the global market with confidence.
Fuels and Lubricants Testing and Development
We provide a range of independent testing services for the analysis and development of fuels, lubricants, and oils for the automotive industry.
Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Testing
Our test engineers are experts in Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing. Our skilled team of emissions test experts is backed up by state-of-the-art equipment to deliver a reliable RDE programme which is flexible to the requirements of our customers.
Research and Development Testing
We support our clients with all elements of research and development testing including validation for automotive ICE, HEV and EV platforms. Our engineering expertise and world-class capability in manufacturing and production means that we can support the development of new technologies from concept through to production.
Remote access
Connection to test operators and calibration software to enable testing without the need to be physically onsite.
Vehicle emissions testing Resources
