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The Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) is unbiased, real-world testing for advanced vehicles.

Within the AVTA Program, the main objective is to test new automotive technological capabilities that will help reduce petroleum needs. As such, researchers test the following:

•     Advanced internal combustion engine vehicles

•     Battery electric vehicles

•     Electric vehicle supply equipment

•     Hybrid electric vehicles

•     Hydrogen internal combustion engines,

•     Neighborhood electric vehicles/low-speed vehicles

•     Plug-in hybrids.

AVTA researchers at INL work closely with industry and other national laboratories to establish and perform effective testing protocol for these various advanced vehicles.

Across the country, AVTA researchers use closed test tracks and dynamometers – essentially treadmills for cars – to test a variety of specs on both production and pre-production vehicles. The AVTA team looks at everything from energy usage to how temperature affects the vehicle and numerous other vehicle facts. To understand how the vehicles will respond in a more real-word experience, advanced vehicles are also put to the test as fleet vehicles for government, commercial, utility, and industry needs.​

Testing results are publically available to provide information to fleet managers and the public when making decisions about advanced technology vehicle purchases. 

RELATED WEBSITES

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Advanced Vehicles Research/Publications​​​       DOE Vehicle Technologies Office  (AVTA)​​​​

Research Contact:  John Smart   -   Phone:  (208) 526-5922   -   John.Smart@inl.gov​

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