Mladá Boleslav, 30 May 2024 – Škoda Auto has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Simulation Centre and Emissions Centre in Mladá Boleslav, significantly enhancing its vehicle development capabilities. This major expansion, following an investment of nearly €22 million, positions Škoda Auto at the forefront of automotive testing within the Volkswagen Group.
The new facility is designed to comprehensively test propulsion and thermal management systems across various powertrains, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. It features advanced technologies that simulate a wide range of real-world conditions with remarkable accuracy.
Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, stated, “Opening the new Simulation Centre represents a significant step forward in automotive development and reaffirms Škoda Auto’s leading position in the evolution and testing of drive and thermal management systems. The importance of the new Simulation Centre and the Emissions Centre will continue to grow, both in terms of ensuring the quality of our production vehicles and in creating highly efficient powertrains and systems for the future.”
Advanced Testing Capabilities
The Simulation Centre offers unique testing capabilities, enabling vehicles to be tested under extreme conditions. It can simulate temperatures ranging from -7°C to +50°C, relative humidity levels between 10% and 95%, sunlight exposure, and altitudes up to 5,500 meters. The facility includes a modern roller dynamometer capable of handling outputs up to 300 kW and speeds up to 265 km/h, along with advanced airflow simulation and a high-speed charging station for electric vehicles.
The laboratory’s ability to perform up to 850 tests annually ensures comprehensive evaluation and validation of vehicle functionalities. The on-site analysis and evaluation of data further enhance the precision and accuracy of the testing results.
Meeting Future Legislative Standards
In addition to the Simulation Centre, the expansion of the Emissions Centre addresses current and forthcoming legislative requirements, such as the EU7 emission standard. The new measurement booths will ensure compliance for both pre-production and production vehicles, solidifying Škoda Auto’s commitment to meeting stringent environmental regulations.
Confirming Technical Expertise
Škoda’s new facility underscores its technical competence within the Volkswagen Group. The Simulation Centre supports the development of Volkswagen’s MQB27 platform and the EA211 series of petrol engines, including associated systems such as air intake, exhaust, cooling, and thermal management. Škoda Auto is also responsible for related manual transmissions and the DQ200 automatic transmission.
The Technical Development department continues to seek skilled professionals from various disciplines to join its innovative team.
Key Data on Škoda Auto’s Simulation Centre:
- Construction Timeline: October 2021 – May 2024 (890 days)
- Building Area: 550 m²
- Wiring: 35,420 meters connecting measuring technologies
- Coolant Volume: 45 m³ in cooling circuits
- Airflow: Approximately 20,000 m³/h through ventilation units
- Dynamometric Rollers: Up to 300 kW capacity
- Maximum Simulated Speed: 265 km/h
- Highest Simulated Altitude: 5,500 meters above sea level
- Sustained Temperature Range: -7 to +50 °C
- Relative Humidity Range: 10 to 95%
- Solar Simulation: Up to 1200 W/m²
