Development of a realistic Euro 7 Real Driving Cycle for chassis dyno testing

• Develop driving cycles that comply with the new Euro 7 standards. • RDE cycle aids in simulating realistic driving conditions for assessing emissions and performance. • A new metric, the Interval Dynamics Index, is introduced to differentiate cycles based on their dynamic characteristics. • The methodology requires the use of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), using software like QGIS. This paper explores the use of driving cycles to quantify vehicle emissions and energy consumption. Rather than focusing on traditional classifications (Modal, Transient, etc.), this study emphasizes the development of regulation-ready cycles aligned with Euro 7 requirements. Two Real Driving Emission (RDE) cycles were developed based on real-world driving data from a small Mediterranean town, with the goal of evaluating emissions and energy consumption on a chassis dynamometer under Euro 7 criteria. These cycles incorporate three key innovations. First, they are designed as foundational templates for Euro 7-compliant type-approval testing, using actual speed-time data and route representativeness criteria. Second, the cycles integrate road slope information—calculated using Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and QGIS tools—offering a more realistic simulation of real driving conditions than conventional flat-profile tests. The inclusion of gradients is particularly relevant under Euro 7, which emphasizes real-world representativeness and reproducibility in laboratory conditions. Slope affects vehicle load and energy demand, making it a critical variable for accurately assessing emissions, especially under low-power or uphill driving scenarios. Third, a novel parameter, the Dynamic Interval Index, is introduced. Unlike fixed-threshold methods based on speed or acceleration, this index combines multiple dynamic variables to classify driving intervals more precisely. It demonstrates consistent performance across vehicle types and regional profiles, enhancing its regulatory utility. By integrating dynamic features such as slope and composite driving behavior metrics, the developed cycles provide a structured and repeatable approach for bridging on-road variability with bench-testing consistency, meeting the core demands of Euro 7 homologation protocols.