Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) type approval.

For vehicle manufacturers, navigating the complex homologation process is an essential step to introduce their models to the market. ATS Group is a qualified and recognized technical service, supporting manufacturers by performing the necessary tests and verifications to ensure that every vehicle, including innovative hybrid models, fully complies with all requirements.

In today’s automotive landscape, hybrid vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular choice due to their efficiency and lower environmental impact. Their unique characteristic lies in combining two or more propulsion sources: typically an internal combustion engine (thermal) alongside one or more electric motors. This synergy aims to optimize efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve overall vehicle performance, encompassing types such as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) which offer greater electric range.

Have you ever wondered if these vehicles, with their complex architecture, must pass the same tests as traditional models? The answer is a clear yes: homologation is a fundamental and mandatory step for all vehicles, including hybrids, before they can circulate on our roads.

Why Homologation is Crucial for Hybrid Vehicles

The Type Approval is the process through which a vehicle is certified to meet all safety, performance, and emission standards established by current regulations. For hybrid vehicles, this process is even more complex, as it must consider the combination of internal combustion engines and electric systems, as well as their interaction.

Here are some of the key aspects that are rigorously tested:

  • Emissions: Hybrid vehicles, although more environmentally friendly, must still adhere to stringent regulations like Euro 6 standards and, in the future, the Euro 7 Regulation. This includes extensive tests to ensure that pollutant gas and particulate emissions are within permissible limits, also taking into account the seamless transition between different propulsion modes (electric/thermal).

  • Vehicle Safety: Crashworthiness tests and occupant and pedestrian protection assessments are conducted to ensure the vehicle is safe in case of an accident.

  • Battery Safety and Performance: High-voltage batteries, the heart of the hybrid system, undergo rigorous tests for safety, durability, and capacity. Their resistance to impacts, short circuits, and extreme temperatures is evaluated, ensuring the integrity of the Rechargeable Electric Energy Storage System (REESS).

  • Electrical Components and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): All high-voltage systems, including the electric motors themselves, must comply with strict regulations. This includes preventing electric shock hazards and ensuring they do not generate or are susceptible to electromagnetic interference that could compromise the operation of other vital vehicle systems (such as ABS, airbags) or external devices (UN/ECE Regulation R10). Electric motors, while not individually homologated, are an integral part of a system that is tested and certified for its safety and functionality within the vehicle.

The Regulations Behind Hybrid System type approval

There isn’t a single regulation for the homologation of hybrid vehicles, but rather a comprehensive European and international regulatory framework that covers all aspects of both power sources. Key references include:

  • Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which forms the basis for the type-approval of motor vehicles in the European Union.

  • UN/ECE Regulation R100, essential for the safety of electrically propelled vehicles, including electric motors, high-voltage components, and energy storage systems.

  • The new Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 (Euro 7), which will introduce even higher emission standards and specific requirements for battery durability, reflecting the increasing importance of the electric component.

  • UN/ECE Regulation R83, which defines test procedures for emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, also applicable to the thermal part of hybrids.

  • The New EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542), which sets specific requirements for the entire lifecycle of batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles, from production to recycling, ensuring their sustainability and safety.

These regulations ensure that every hybrid vehicle introduced to the market is not only efficient and environmentally friendly but also safe and reliable for motorists and the environment, with specific attention to the complex electrical systems and batteries that characterize them.

why choose ats group?

ATS Group is a group of companies operating in the field
of Inspections, Certifications and Type Approvals in the Automotive sector.

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type approval of whole vehicles

ATS Group, through its companies designated by e24 and e5 marks, is able to issue the type approval of complete vehicles.

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type approval of vechicles parts

With the type approval Approval Authority designations (E57), (E5) and (E24) ATS Group is able to carry out approvals of components, systems and technical units of vehicles in general.

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certifications

ATS Europe, as a Certification Body accredited under ISO 17021-1: 2015 as a Certification Body for Quality Management Systems under ISO 9001: 2015, has become a leading company in the field of certifications.

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testing laboratories

The test laboratories affiliated with ATS Group are ISO 17025 accredited, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and compliance with international standards.

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ats app

Our proprietary online platform can manage the whole approval process, fron the quotation till the direct download on the final Type Approval Certificate.

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competitives prices based on market analysis

ATS Group offers competitive prices and fast turnaround times, ensuring an efficient and high-quality service to meet customer needs promptly.

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