Virtualization and Simulation
A virtual prototype can be used to optimize CO2e emissions
in the development phase: If an avatar, a digital twin of the
vehicle, is deployed onto the virtual test track, emissions can
be reduced by up to 30 %. With the help of virtualization and
simulation, the carbon footprint of entire fleets can also be
reproduced and predicted. In turn, as part of data analytics,
in-use data of vehicle fleets can feed into the developments,
precisely in the early stages where simulation and virtualiza-
tion come into play. This means fewer real-world tests and
thus fewer CO2 emissions.
AVL is particularly innovative in this area and supports OEMs
in determining the optimal propulsion system configuration
to meet CO2 fleet targets. To this end, we look at the entire
ecosystem, including the framework conditions such as infra-
structure and available energy for the production of sustain-
able fuels.
Designing Products with a Smaller CO2e Footprint and Design-
ing Them for Additional Life Cycles Where Applicable
The key question that needs to be answered is: How can we
maximize our impact to reduce CO2e in the life cycle as quickly
as possible?
“Design-to-CO2e” as a holistic approach in the course of
systems engineering means a transition from the original
focus on Design-to-function” and “Design-to-cost” to include
Measurement and Central, Transparent Monitoring of CO2e Will
Become Mandatory in the Long Term
The CO2e assessment methodology will evolve in the future.
ESG and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
(CSRD) regulations enable reporting of measured CO2e in
Scope 3 upstream emissions. Energy consumption measure-
ments will be implemented in all production steps to calculate
CO2e in real time. Digital twins and real-world data combined
with simulations optimize CO2e reduction in production.
The AVL Battery Innovation Center (BIC) is a small-scale
battery production facility for pilot manufacturing and small
series manufacturing of battery packs. All production steps
are equipped with energy meters. The energy consumption
data is used to calculate the carbon footprint of each manu-
facturing step and to optimize CO2e. The information obtained
is fed back to future development projects at earlier stages for
CO2e improvements.
Trend 05
Trend 07
Trend 06
the additional dimension of CO2 equivalent throughout the life
cycle. Existing methods and tools from total cost of ownership
and life cycle costing can be taken as a basis and supplement-
ed by the dimension or currency CO2e.
In the various development and validation phases, engineering
service providers such as AVL can achieve decisive compet-
itive advantages together with the OEM and its value-added
partners.
Feasibility
Concept
Design
Validation
Production
In-use, service,
and end-of-life
Time
CO2e
(cumulative %)
CO2e influenceability
CO2e determination
CO2e occurrence
Raw material
Manufacturing
Assembly
Product Life Cycle Model With Qualitative Patterns for CO2e
Influenceability, Determination, and Occurrence
SPECIAL EDITION