The FKFS High-Performance Electric Powertrain Test Bench

The Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines (FKFS) already operates a range of state-of-the-art specialist test benches for engine and powertrain applications. Its portfolio covers both conventional drives as well as hybrid and battery electric vehicles. To meet demands for more testing capacity with test bench runs for electrified vehicle powertrains – and to comply with the significantly increased requirements for power, torque and especially dynamics – FKFS has planned, built and started operating a new high-performance electric powertrain test bench (HEP). The HEP is a single-axis test bench, characterized by a variable machine layout enabling setup of different drive and powertrain configurations. For example, it is possible to run test specimens consisting of a vehicle’s electric machine, gearbox and driveshafts, with a power of up to 1160 kW. A high-performance battery simulator provides up to 1600 A, with a voltage range from 0 to 1000 V. The portfolio includes back-to-back setups as well as testing of purely mechanical axles for electric vehicles. A highly dynamic drive machine permits speeds of up to 20,000 rpm, with a maximum power of up to 700 kW. This makes it possible to comply with new requirements coming from politics and automotive development, so we can continue to provide reliably tested drives in the future too.