Homologation of vehicles and components: requirements, simulation and implementation

Homologation in vehicle development begins in the concept phase.

The legal requirements for vehicles and vehicle components are becoming increasingly complex.

Homologation is therefore not a subsequent process, but must be taken into account in early development phases.

Decisions regarding concept and design significantly determine whether a component or an entire vehicle will later be eligible for approval.

Requirements for components, systems and complete vehicles

Even in the design phase, various requirements must be considered in parallel:

• Styling and design specifications

• Crash and structural safety

• Pedestrian protection

• Passenger ergonomics

These requirements often conflict with other objectives and necessitate coordinated development at the system level.

Simulation as a basis for eligibility for approval

A key component of homologation is verification through simulation.

Various CAE methods are used to model relevant load cases:

• Structural crash

• Pedestrian protection

• Low-speed crash

• Occupant protection

👉 Simulation makes it possible to identify critical points early and optimize them in a targeted manner before costly physical tests become necessary.

Support in the homologation process

Besides the technical development, the formal implementation is also crucial.

This includes supporting admission procedures at various levels:

National level:

• ABE (§22 StVZO) for vehicle parts

• Individual vehicle approvals (§21 / §19 StVZO)

International level:

• EU individual approvals (Regulation (EU) 2018/858)

• EU small series approvals

International markets:

• USA (FMVSS)

• China (CCC)

• Gulf States (GCC)

👉 The requirements vary considerably depending on the market and must be taken into account early on.

Collaboration with technical services

Successful homologation requires close coordination with:

• technical services

• Testing facilities

• authorities

Technical documentation, simulation results and evidence must be prepared and coordinated consistently.

👉 A structured approach significantly speeds up the approval processes.

Our approach: Development and homologation from a single source

For us, homologation is not a separate process step, but an integral part of development.

We connect:

• Concept development and design

• Simulation and verification

• Preparation of technical documentation

• Support until approval

This results in solutions that not only work technically, but are also regulatory compliant.