Electromobility is transforming the automotive industry and raiding new questions: How can batteries be tested under extreme conditions? How can range be measured across different environments? And how can this be done safely and efficiently? These are exactly the challenges addressed by the AUREL Proving Ground in Northern Bohemia – a modern, multifunctional proving ground used by leading car manufacturers to test vehicles, electric cars, and autonomous systems.
The development of electric vehicles brings new testing demands
Electronics, high-voltage systems, specific weight distribution, and unique on-road behaviour – all of these differ significantly from vehicles with internal combustion engines. Yet electric cars must withstand the same demanding conditions in everyday use – diverse weather, water crossings, uphill drives, impacts, and obstacles. Developers therefore require a sophisticated and flexible environment that allows them to verify every details of vehicle performance.
AUREL Proving Ground is fully prepared for electric vehicles
This is exactly what the AUREL Proving Ground delivers – a multifunctional proving ground with unique conditions for the development and testing of vehicles, including electric models. Across an area of 120,000 square meters, car manufacturers can validate functional, endurance, and durability parameters of their vehicles. A speed oval, dynamic platform, ADAS track, steep inclines, and water obstacles enable comprehensive testing of battery-powered cars in a wide range of scenarios.
Proof that the facility has become a sought-after location for EV testing lies in the interest of leading industry placers. For example, Škoda Auto chose the Proving Ground for the world premiere of its sporty electric model, the Škoda Elroq RS . Arval company, a recognised expert in the field, also hosted its Electromobility Day here, where visitors had the opportunity to test drive 55 EVs and plug-in hybrids from 19 different brands.
Unique conditions for the EV development and testing
For car manufacturers, it’s not just about test drives – they need to validate the entire electromobility ecosystem, from charging to battery performance. That’s why the AUREL Proving Ground is equipped with modern charging infrastructure:
- Two high-capacity 150kW stations,
- six outdoor 22kW chargers and two indoor 22kW chargers in the workshops,
- plus standard AC and DC charging options.
This allows development teams to efficiently test charging speed, battery behaviour under various loads, and real compatibility with charging technologies.
The facility also enables comprehensive battery system testing, including performance, endurance, lifespan and safety. Tracks with different loads, inclines, and temperature monitoring provide a realistic picture of battery behaviour. Dedicated facilities are available for long-term battery cycling and monitoring of different charging and discharging modes. Engineering can also measure energy consumption, recuperation, and driving range across different driving models. The combination of diverse surfaces and controlled conditions ensures precise and repeatable results – both in real-world scenarios and through the digital twin of the proving ground.
Climate chamber and extreme environments
The AUREL Proving Ground is fully prepared for extreme conditions. Its climate chamber, with a temperature range from +30°C to -35°C, simulates winter environments and is used to test the performance of batteries, electronics, and thermal systems. It is ideal for both short-term and long-term performance and reliability testing. The company is planning to further expand its capacity.
Special surfaces with different adhesion levels allow a wide variety of driving scenarios to be tested:
- Belgian paving, washboard, and skid pads are used to evaluate long-term durability, vibration loads, restraint and stability system performance, and sensor calibration.
- The gravel road zone simulates the harsh conditions of unpaved roads, with flying gravel testing the durability of chassis and body panels, including side structures, which is a critical factor for EVs.
- Misuse obstacles include curbs, crossings, and potholes to test resilience in extreme operating conditions.
Comprehensive facilities for Czech and international carmakers
Electromobility is reshaping how vehicles are developed. Manufactures now need more than just roads – they need a partner who understands the challenges of the new era. This modern proving ground provides full facilities for EV testing, including infrastructure, tracks, and engineering team supports, right here in the Czech Republic. This saves significant time and financial resources for both domestic and international OEMs.
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