Laboratory Testing Services

Baseline Vehicle Testing

eTec developed a set of highly repeatable test procedures under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with vehicle manufactures and industry stakeholders with the objective of measuring real-world vehicle performance.

This testing is conducted on dynamometers and closed-track environments. Vehicles are evaluated using these Baseline Test Procedures in the following areas:

  • Fuel consumption
  • Acceleration
  • Gradeability
  • Road load coefficients (to support dynamometer testing)
  • Vehicle durability
  • Charger performance

Track testing is conducted at automotive proving grounds near Phoenix, Arizona. Dynamometer testing is conducted at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Powertrain Test Facility outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Baseline testing has been performed under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy for the following types of vehicles:

  • Battery Electric Vehicle
  • Neighborhood Electric Vehicle
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicle
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
  • Hydrogen ICE Vehicle

Test results are summarized based on each client’s individual requirements. Reports for the US DOE AVTA activity are presented in detailed test reports and summarized for wide dissemination in one-page data sheets. (See the USDOE AVTA webpage at: http://avt.inl.gov/)