Test and Validation

ICE testing and development for products ranging from 5 cc model aero engines to multi-megawatt power generation units.

We engineer any aspect of an engine from concept to production. Our cross-sector test capability is built around each programme and includes regenerative AC motoring facilities for transient response and vehicle simulation, climatic cells with chiller units for thermal shocking, tilting cells for oil-circuit development, and a suite of Single Cylinder Research Engines (SCRE) compatible with hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and bio-fuels.

A hydrogen test facility for hydrogen ICE and hydrogen fuel cell development. Use it on its own, or as part of a wider design and engineering programme.

Our hydrogen facility at Shoreham removes the need for you to invest in your own infrastructure, which shortens development timescales for both ICE and fuel cell work. The cells are rated for heavy-duty products and ready for client use today, and remote access lets you run programmes from your office or from home.

Transmission and driveline testing for conventional and electrified propulsion. One supplier from R&D through to production validation.

You get a supported test plan on our in-house facilities, including 2E, 3E and 5E rigs, hybrid and EV capability, battery simulation, functional spin rigs, tilt rigs and a hydraulics rig. Ricardo engineers write and adapt the rig control software to your requirements, and resolve issues as they arise to save development time and cost.

Independent testing and analysis of fuels, lubricants and oils for ICE, HEV and EV platforms, to improve performance, emissions and fuel consumption. We deliver repeatable analysis from component-level chemistry up to full vehicle drive cycles. We source, modify and design test platforms, run baseline testing on a reference fluid, then assess candidate fluids across customisable real-world and legislative cycles.

Our vehicle emissions research centre conducts 24/7 emissions testing for ICE, HEV and EV powertrains and fluid products, covering emissions control and performance optimisation, climatic control and automation.

Battery testing for electric and hybrid propulsion systems, from concept to production.

Our UK facility focuses on electrical characterisation of cells and module-level testing. For larger cell, module and pack programmes, we use trusted partner facilities that Ricardo battery experts manage and deliver. Climatic battery cycling is a particular strength.

Ricardo provides the accredited testing, witnessing support and engineering analysis that underpin homologation. We do not issue homologation certification in-house. Independent accreditation authorities such as the VCA issue final type-approval certificates, and we work closely with them on your behalf.