Modeling, Testing and Analysis

The Vehicle Technologies Office's robust portfolio is supported by modeling, testing, and analysis. This work complements the research on batteries, power electronics, and materials, helping researchers integrate these components and ensure the whole vehicle meets consumer and commercial needs.

• Modeling allows researchers to build "virtual vehicles" that simulate fuel economy, emissions and performance of a potential vehicle. The Office has supported the development of several software-based analytic tools that researchers can use or license.
• Integration and Validation allows researchers to test physical component and subsystem prototypes as if they are in a real vehicle.
• Laboratory and Fleet Testing provides data on PEVs through both dynamometer and on-the-road testing. Researchers use the data to benchmark current vehicles, as well as validate the accuracy of software models.
• Data collection from demonstration projects help the Office learn from PEV charging projects it supported through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Ecotality's EV Project and ChargePoint's network are now providing data to the Office that we can use to inform future decisions about the placement of PEVs and charging infrastructure. The Vehicle Technologies Office has collected this data into summary reports.