A review is conducted through a dozen of American, Australian and European typical studies, to analyze and characterize the development of the existing Driving Cycles.
The different cases are characterized by data sets, methods of data collection, methods of analysis which vary from very arbitrary criteria to very sophisticated statistical methods. A number of parameters are taken into account such as speed, acceleration, positive kinetic energy, distribution of instantaneous speed and acceleration, etc. The validation tools vary to a great extent from visual comparison to varied statistical tests.
Most of the studies include conclusions as regards to the representativeness of existing standard Driving cycles. The built-up Driving Cycle can be one single composite or synthetic Driving Cycle or a set of research cycles representing a variety of conditions. Some particularities are to be mentioned such as the thermal conditions analysis or the link with emissions. The actual aim of the Driving Cycle (emission factors, regulation, etc.) is a determining factor.