Right first-time route development for real drive emission measurements and challenges.

As the competitive world demands faster product developments, the same resembles in vehicle development area while addressing accurately customer requirements and compliance in line with regulatory standards. Hence right first-time approach at every stage of product development is highly critical. Since BS VI implementation, there has been a regulatory requirement for real drive emission (RDE) measurements and the overall focus in vehicle development is now equally on vehicle emissions rather than just engine emissions. Right first-time developing the test routes for RDE measurement is becoming a focus of attention in the vehicle industry. This paper studies the required regulatory standards and critical requirements for Heavy Duty RDE measurements. Also, it discusses the route selection based on criteria in line with regulations. The study compares different route options evaluated in India on critical selection criteria. The paper highlights the vehicle preparation & instrumentation requirements ahead of the start of the test, as well as for the route validation. It further elaborates on the technical challenges, and its resolution methodology followed for achieving the right first-time approach. The paper summarizes the key differences between the route selection for various application requirements to understand the focus areas and optimization opportunities. The paper identifies critical parameters and proposed solutions that need to be taken into account for the right-first-time route selection. Also, the impact of future fuel-agnostic products on route selection and design is briefly discussed in the paper for future opportunities.