Inspection & authorisation of vehicles

The demands placed on modern powertrain systems and emissions are increasing – as are the regulatory hurdles for manufacturers, suppliers and developers. As a notified technical service, TÜV NORD’s IFM supports you with all testing relating to type approval, fuel consumption, emissions and powertrains – drawing on many years of experience, state-of-the-art technology and personalised support throughout the entire approval process.

Our services are aimed at companies that wish to develop, test or register vehicles and machinery powered by combustion engines, hybrid systems or gas:

• Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs)
• System and component suppliers
• Development service providers & testing laboratories
• Manufacturers of mobile machinery & equipment
• Retrofitters and retrofit companies
• Authorities responsible for type approval

Our testing services cover all relevant areas relating to powertrain systems, emissions and approvals – reliably, in compliance with regulations and with a practical focus:

• Type testing & approval management
• Emissions measurements & fuel consumption
• Engine performance testing
• Range & energy efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles
• Retrofitting with gas systems
• Test bench evaluation & measurement technology testing

The path to type approval requires technical expertise, legal certainty and structured processes. As a technical service provider, we guide you through the entire approval process – from the initial consultation to the successful submission to the regulatory authority.

With our support, your products will not only meet all regulatory requirements – they will also reach the market efficiently and in compliance with the rules.

An overview of our services:

• Advice on approval requirements and applicable regulations.
• Customised test planning tailored to the product, market and production volume.
• Conducting all relevant tests in accredited laboratories and on recognised test benches.
• Preparation, maintenance and submission of approval documentation to national and international authorities.
• Support during modification or extension procedures.

We ensure that your approval process runs smoothly – legally compliant, transparent and tailored precisely to your product strategy.

Compliance with statutory emission limits is a key requirement for the approval of vehicles and systems. We measure CO₂, NOx, particulates and other emissions with precision in accordance with current testing standards – both in the laboratory and under real-world driving conditions.

At the same time, we analyse fuel or energy consumption to identify opportunities for improving efficiency.

An overview of our services:

• Emissions measurements on the test bench (WLTC, RDE, etc.).
• PEMS measurements in real-world operation to record exhaust emissions on the road.
• Consumption measurements under standardised and real-world conditions.
• Evaluation of measurement results in the context of legal requirements.
• Support with documentation for type approval.

We provide valid measurement data for approval procedures – and a basis for decision-making to optimise your powertrain systems.

Engine performance is a key technical parameter – both for type approval and for benchmarking and product comparisons. We determine the torque, power and performance curves of your powertrain under precisely controlled conditions.

Whether in the laboratory or in the vehicle: we provide clarity on your system’s performance.

An overview of our services:

• Engine power measurement on a test bench (stationary, reproducible, compliant with regulations).
• Measurement of torque and torque curves.
• Recording and evaluation of characteristic curves and load points.
• Mobile performance testing in the vehicle under real-world conditions.
• Documentation for type approvals, development comparisons or customer information.

Our tests provide you with reliable performance data – objective, traceable and technically sound.

Reliable data on range and energy efficiency is essential for the market approval and product assessment of electric and hybrid vehicles. We test your vehicles both under the WLTP cycle and in real-world conditions.

In doing so, we record not only fuel consumption but also charging efficiency and, optionally, noise levels.

An overview of our services:

• Range measurement in accordance with WLTP (including test conditions and energy consumption).
• Analysis of charging efficiency and charging losses.
• Consumption measurements during driving under realistic conditions.
• Testing of AVAS systems (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System).
• Advice on optimisation measures based on test results.

Our tests provide you with the basis for type-approval procedures – and practical data for the further development of your vehicles.

Gas-powered vehicles help reduce emissions – provided that the retrofit systems are technically sound and comply with regulations. We test conversions to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in accordance with all relevant regulations.

Whether it’s a single conversion or series approval: we get your gas systems on the road – safely and in compliance with regulations.

Our services at a glance:

• Testing of retrofit systems in accordance with ECE-R 115 and other relevant regulations.
• Assessment of installation quality, safety and functionality.
• Preparation of test reports and approval documentation.
• Support with individual approval or type approval.

We support workshops, vehicle manufacturers and system suppliers in implementing gas retrofits in a legally compliant and efficient manner.

Tests relevant to type approval must be based on a reliable infrastructure – even if they are carried out by partners or external service providers. We assess your test benches, processes and measurement technology for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

This ensures that your testing partners act in compliance with the law as part of your approval process.

An overview of our services:

• Auditing of external test benches for compliance with approval requirements.
• Assessment of the measurement technology used in terms of accuracy and traceability.
• Verification of the qualifications and processes of your testing partners.
• Preparation of audit reports and recommendations for action.

With our support, you can establish a legally compliant and transparent testing network – providing a reliable foundation for approvals and development projects.

TÜV NORD is designated as a technical service provider for categories A, B and D by numerous international approval authorities. These designations enable us to carry out tests for different markets in a legally compliant and efficient manner.

An overview of our designations:

• KBA – Federal Motor Transport Authority (Germany)
• GDWS – Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (Germany)
• RDW – Dutch Vehicle Registration Authority (Netherlands)
• TRAFI – Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Finland)
• NSAI – National Standards Authority of Ireland (Ireland)
• Transportstyrelsen – Swedish Transport Agency (Sweden)
• RTA – Road Transport Administration (Bulgaria)
• MOTC – Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Taiwan)
• NTSEL – National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory (Japan)

Thanks to our international presence and close coordination with the authorities, we are your reliable partner for approvals at both national and global levels.