Scoring Mechanism:
The rating system task force developed a scoring methodology that provides consumers impartial guidance on the environmental performances of vehicles, for consumers easy to understand, by means of star ratings, with underlying layers of information for those interested in more details behind the rating. To support the development of such a rating system and to ensure that environmental awareness, interests, opinions, behaviour and preferences of consumers with regard to car preferences are taken into account.
Testing Programme:
A testing program for the assessment of vehicles was successfully developed, its sustainability by closing gaps in the current legislation was proved by verification and validation tests on 51 vehicles. The additional determination of the maximum engine load curve proves, that the several tests belonging to the developed test matrix are able to close many gaps in engine speed/load operation. The assessment of unregulated pollutants NH3 and N2O was successfully implemented in laboratory tests as well as the split of NOx into NO and NO2. Low ambient temperature conditions are covered by the cold ambient temperature test which challenges vehicles with cold start at -7°C. The 51 vehicles were also challenged by a robustness part of program updated for PEMS tests, thus revealing the potential or the weaknesses of tested models in heavy conditions or eco-driving. New technologies have been as well considered with an adaptation of the test matrix to PHEV. Besides the assessment of pollutants, the vehicle´s energy consumption can be evaluated and compared regardless of the drivetrain setup.
The well-balanced testing program combines the highly comparable test results from chassis dynamometer testing in a laboratory with the realistic test conditions during PEMS tests on road. Both laboratory and on-road tests go significantly beyond the state of art regarding power demand and ambient conditions, regardless of the drivetrain setup. The selection of these 51 vehicles was based on market relevance itemised according to market segments as well as the consideration of alternative propulsion unit systems and new technologies. The reproducibility and robustness of the test procedures were proved by application in eight different test laboratories.
Roadmap:
The aim of the Roadmap is to identify future tests and ratings for the period 2019-2030 in line with the view of the test partners and complementary to the specifications of state-of-the-art environmental standards and environmental legislation.
The content of the Roadmap will consider among others the following items:
• Upgrade of existing and introduction of new test procedures
• Pollutants of which the PEMS equipment currently is under development: Non-Methane Hydro Carbons (NMHC), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Ammonia (NH3), etc
• Parameters with high impact on vehicles: driving down vehicle mass and rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, etc.
• Secure and Connected vehicles: antimanipulation, cybersecurity, etc.
• Well-to-wheel basis replacing Tank-to-wheel as first step, Life cycle analysis of the vehicles
