Powertrain Testing Solutions

Efficient validation of conventional and electrified powertrains for reliable results and faster development.

Our powertrain testing solutions ensure precise validation of conventional and electrified propulsion systems. AVL offers tailored solutions to streamline your validation process from concept to road readiness.

Picture of a Powertrain Test System

Our powertrain testing solutions are designed to support the complex validation of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs), including hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs, battery EVs, and fuel cell EVs, through all stages of development.

With extensive experience in developing powertrain test solutions for passenger cars, light and heavy trucks, buses, tractors and off-road vehicles, AVL offers comprehensive solutions that span the entire development process. Our versatile test systems are designed for a wide range of applications.

Typical powertrain tests include durability testing to meet specific component life targets, performance evaluation, fuel consumption optimisation, emission control and electric range extension. We also focus on drivability optimisation, integration of high voltage (HV) components, on-board diagnostics and fault diagnosis. In addition, we perform safety-critical testing to ensure that unforeseen interactions do not lead to undefined operating conditions.

OEMs and suppliers are developing new propulsion system concepts, transitioning from traditional transmission technologies (manual, automatic, dual-clutch) to fully electrified powertrains. Electric drives and high-voltage components are now central to this shift.

To support development and system integration, customers require testing systems that not only evaluate mechanical subsystems but also optimize high-voltage electrical subsystems. These testing solutions ensure that both mechanical and electrical components are seamlessly integrated, enabling efficient and reliable performance in modern powertrain designs.

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Performance Testing - LD Performance Testing - HD NVH Testing System and HV Integration
Picture of a Powertrain Test System
Performance Testing – Light Duty

This test system uses two or four dynamometers directly mounted at the wheel hub, delivering torques from 3,200 Nm to 7,000 Nm and outputs between 220 kW and 500 kW. For electrified powertrains, a battery emulator of up to 1,000 kW typically replaces the real battery. Advanced vehicle dynamics simulation enables precise execution of driving maneuvers under various road and load conditions, supporting frontloading in development.

Picture of a Powertrain Testbed
Performance Testing – Heavy Duty

Two, four, or more dynamometers provide torques of up to 40,000 Nm for high-performance heavy-duty applications. To meet extreme torque demands, matching transmissions may be required. Electrified systems use a battery emulator with an output of up to 1,000 kW. Powerful simulation tools enable realistic driving scenarios and accurate performance evaluation of complex heavy-duty propulsion systems.

AVL NVH Testing
NVH Testing

For NVH testing, two or four dynamometers apply dynamic loads to the propulsion system. To maintain a low acoustic environment, the dynos are placed outside the NVH chamber. This setup allows accurate testing of noise and vibration behavior without external interference. The testbed supports detailed acoustic investigations of powertrain components under realistic conditions.

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System and HV Integration

This solution is based on a fully automated propulsion test system with four high-dynamic wheel dynamometers. It includes load units, conditioning devices, and measurement tools for torque, speed, temperature, and more. For HV systems, it is extended with high-power sinks/sources, fast-sampling voltage and current sensors, and mains emulation to support full system validation.

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Our modern powertrain test systems are designed to validate all types of propulsion systems, including 2WD, 4WD, and electrified powertrains. They support a wide range of speeds, torques, power classes, and voltage and current levels. The dynamometers simulate real-world driving conditions, road data replication, or time-lapsed testing, providing precise speed and torque control. AVL's optimized hardware and software toolchain significantly accelerates the design and validation process, allowing for early testing in a virtual environment (frontloading).

Photo of a powertrain testbed

The AVL PUMA 2™ automation software enhances the system by synchronizing measurements from all devices, ensuring high data quality. This precision, combined with the system’s measurement, control, and simulation capabilities, allows customers to perform real-world driving maneuvers and energy consumption tests without needing a physical vehicle. As a result, propulsion systems can be developed more efficiently, reducing development time and increasing overall project success.
 

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Portrait of Klaus Pfeiffer

Propulsion system architecture and components have evolved rapidly in recent years, leading to new challenges and opportunities. AVL continues to provide tailored solutions that enable our customers to focus on development with confidence, knowing their measurement results are accurate and reliable."

– Dr. Klaus Pfeiffer, System Line Manager, AVL Deutschland GmbH

AVL powertrain system testing solutions are built on innovative, proven technologies, from dynamometers supporting various power classes to automation software that adapts to a wide range of applications. Our deep application expertise and system integration capabilities drive efficiency for our customers.

We provide the perfect powertrain testing solution tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s for performance optimization, durability testing, or the integration of complex high-voltage components. 

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AVL Test System Automation – Brochure

Tailored Software Solutions for Future-Proof Test Environments.

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Learn more about our portfolio
Customer Services
Customer Services for Testing Solutions

The AVL Customer Services organization consists of more than 700 service- and application engineers worldwide, operating from more than 50 locations. Our global footprint is your local benefit.

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AVL PUMA 2™

AVL PUMA 2™ is the global industry standard for testbed automation. It is suitable for electrified testbed types as well as for conventional test environments.

CONCERTO 6 AVL
AVL CONCERTO

Transform your e-mobility analysis with AVL CONCERTO 6™, featuring fast data access, AI-driven technologies, advanced visualizations and calculations, and auto-generated reports for superior performance and precise insights.  

AVL MOVe PN PEMS
PEMS for Particle Number Measurement

The device is AVL’s all-in-one solution for RDE/ISC requirements. It ensures precise and reproducible emission measurements under real driving conditions. 

AVL M.O.V.E PM PEMS iX
AVL M.O.V.E PM PEMS iX

Portable on-board soot and PM measurement device.

SPECTRA
AVL SPECTRA™ Wheel Dyno

The SPECTRA converter system is a modular silicon carbide (SiC) converter able to control wheel dynos at unprecedented levels of control accuracy and dynamics thus helping you to test your powertrain with confidence.

e-storage
AVL E-STORAGE SiC™

Battery tester and emulator for research and development, testing and validation.

AVL EMCON 6
AVL EMCON 6™

The market-leading testbed monitoring and control system for a variety of propulsion systems

Your reliable global partner in powertrain testing

AVL’s comprehensive worldwide network of experts allows best customer vicinity, ensuring consistent and connecting testing fields globally. Wherever your R&D challenges take you, we are always close at hand, ready to provide the service you need.

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> 70

years of experience

> 5,000

employees worldwide for testing solutions

> 30

countries covered by the global network

> 7,000

testbeds installed worldwide

> 80

turnkey projects