Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV & PHEV) Testing

End-to-end testing solutions for hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid platforms

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with electric propulsion to reduce emissions while maintaining the range and refueling convenience drivers expect. Full hybrids typically rely on regenerative braking and engine charging, while PHEVs use larger batteries designed for external charging.

For engineering teams, that efficiency comes with added complexity: dual propulsion systems, high-voltage and/or 48V energy storage, power electronics, advanced control strategies, and emissions compliance—all requiring validation across components, subsystems, and full vehicle operation.

With decades of expertise in emissions measurement and energy management technologies, HORIBA provides a complete hybrid testing toolkit—combining hardware, software, and engineering support—to help OEMs and suppliers accelerate HEV and PHEV development across the full testing workflow.

Speak with a Hybrid Testing Expert Discuss your HEV or PHEV validation requirements with our engineering team.

Why HEV & PHEV Testing Is More Complex

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid architectures introduce additional development challenges that can impact program timing and cost:

System integration across ICE + electrified propulsion (calibration and controls)
Energy management validation across real-world duty cycles
Battery and power electronics testing (48V mild hybrid through high-voltage PHEV)
Emissions development and compliance under hybrid operating modes
Repeatability and throughput with more test cases and configurations

HORIBA solutions support hybrid development from early concept work through validation, certification support, and ongoing optimization.

Hybrid Powertrain & Engine Testing: Component to System Level

Whether you’re validating a hybrid engine, e-motor performance, or integrated powertrain operation, HORIBA offers test stand solutions and measurement systems built for accuracy and repeatability:

Powertrain and Component Test Stands

Engine testing and development support
E-motor testing
Powertrain testing for hybrid architectures

Vehicle-Level Hybrid Validation

VULCAN chassis dynamometers for repeatable full vehicle hybrid testing.
TITAN Powertrain test stands, with vehicle lift system options, for flexible hybrid powertrain development.

These configurations enable dynamic testing across hybrid operating modes and duty cycles—supporting both performance and efficiency targets.

Integrated Software & Test Automation for Hybrid Development

Hybrid development generates complex datasets across powertrain, battery, emissions, and vehicle-level testing. Managing that data efficiently is critical to reducing validation timelines and ensuring repeatability.

HORIBA integrates its testing platforms with advanced automation and data management software, including:

STARS Battery – Purpose-built automation software for battery and electrified power system testing
STARS Enterprise – Centralized test data management and workflow orchestration across facilities
Scalable automation software for hybrid powertrain and emissions validation

Together, these solutions enable synchronized hardware and software workflows—accelerating hybrid program execution from concept to certification.

Explore Our Complete Test Automation & Data Management Software Portfolio