Winter testing plays a crucial role in the development of cars, especially for manufacturers like Volvo who prioritize safety. In Lulea, Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle, Volvo has been conducting winter testing since the 1960s. This remote location provides the ideal conditions to evaluate the performance and capabilities of their vehicles in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C.
At Volvo’s winter testing facility, drivers with varying levels of experience put the cars through their paces. The goal is to ensure that the cars can handle a wide range of scenarios and interact effectively with drivers. Mikael Ljung Aust, Volvo’s senior safety technical leader, explains that winter testing allows them to answer important questions related to safety. They assess how the cars behave in extreme weather conditions, how the electronic systems and sensors perform in the cold, and how the battery life is affected.
One significant area of improvement in recent years is software, particularly electronic stability control (ESC). ESC is responsible for keeping the car stable and controllable by adjusting torque and braking individual wheels. Volvo still uses the Moose Test, a quick and effective way to assess a car’s stability and controllability in slippery conditions. The Moose Test involves swerving to avoid cones and then performing an evasive maneuver at speed. This test has been recognized by the International Organization for Standardization and has been instrumental in advancing ESC technology.
Another challenge that winter testing addresses is the impact of cold weather on electric vehicles (EVs). Cold temperatures affect an EV’s battery performance, reducing its range. Tests conducted by What Car? revealed that an XC40’s range dropped by as much as 29.9% in cold weather compared to warm weather. Manufacturers, including Volvo, have been tight-lipped about these results, but it is an area of concern for EV owners.
Winter testing goes beyond just evaluating dynamics; it is a holistic approach to ensure that cars can perform in extreme conditions. It requires engineers to travel to different locations around the world to understand and address specific challenges. For example, Volvo sent engineers to America to test an edge case for their autonomous software systems. They discovered that a bridge was triggering the autonomous emergency braking system due to sensor confusion. By using real-world data and learning from it, Volvo was able to improve their systems.
Winter testing facilities are located in various regions worldwide. Arjeplog in Sweden is a popular destination for car manufacturers due to its consistently harsh winter conditions. Wanaka in New Zealand offers land-based winter testing, while Yakeshi in China provides an inhospitable environment with temperatures as low as -30°C. Michigan in the USA is home to Smithers Winter Proving Grounds, specializing in tire, ABS, sensor, and autonomous vehicle component evaluation. Mazda uses a facility in Hokkaido, Japan, for their winter testing needs.
In conclusion, winter testing is an essential part of car development, particularly for safety-focused manufacturers like Volvo. It allows them to assess how their vehicles perform in extreme weather conditions and address any issues that arise. From testing ESC to evaluating the impact of cold weather on EV range, winter testing provides valuable insights that help improve the overall performance and reliability of cars.
