ord’s propulsion test resources in the United Kingdom
have undergone significant enhancements, bringing the
facility up to date for the evaluation of electric and four-
wheel drive technologies. A key aspect of this transformation
involves the revitalization of the Advanced Propulsion Labo-
ratory (APL) located at the Dunton Technical Centre in Essex.
The primary objective is to facilitate testing for electrification
and four-wheel drive systems. These newly upgraded areas
became operational in the middle of 2022.
Prior to this development, the individual program teams were
consulted about their forthcoming projects, allowing for a
thorough assessment of the construction measures required
to support future electrified endeavors. This process was
crucial to align with the company’s corporate engineering test
procedures. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of
the testing methodologies employed by global partners was
essential to identify areas for improvement and enhance the
overall capabilities of the test facility.
Most Profound
Change in
Ford’s History
Updates include, for example, new two-wheel drive and four-
wheel drive propulsion NVH test chambers, each with high
voltage battery emulation up to 1,200 V In total, the APL has
15 test cells; everything from an e-axle to a single engine or
full vehicle can be assessed.
The APL is spread across three floors, and the facilities can
run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The second floor is
where all the testing happens. Ian Murray, supervisor of the
Advanced Propulsion Laboratory, makes sure that all testing
processes run smoothly.
“The AVL PUMA software is the heartbeat of the test room
environment. The development process and facility output
are directly affected by the efficiencies of the PUMA operating
software. The testing facility is able to offer highly efficient
lights out testing at an early stage of the development pro-
cess, which grows our capability and efficiencies in the testing
environment. Having a globally aligned way of interacting
By revitalizing the Advanced Propulsion Laboratory
(APL), Ford has significantly enhanced its testing
capabilities in the UK. This modernization has taken
the facility’s functionality to a new level, aligning with
global partners’ methods, and pushing the boundaries
of automotive innovation.
HOME OF INNOVATION
SOFTWARE
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