Vehicle Test Centre

The Vehicle Testing Centre (FVZ) of the TU Dresden

The Vehicle Test Centre (FVZ) is the central research infrastructure of the Chair of Automobile Engineering at TU Dresden. It provides an advanced environment for experimental, hybrid and simulation-based vehicle research, bringing together test infrastructure and digital development methods in a single facility. Research at the FVZ focuses on vehicle dynamics and vehicle physics, safety and efficiency, innovative vehicle and powertrain concepts, and the methods required for automated and connected mobility. A particular emphasis lies on the digitalisation of vehicle development and on virtual testing.

Located at August-Bebel-Straße 32 in Dresden, the FVZ comprises two comprehensively modernised test hall buildings that were converted from former high-strength concrete military halls into state-of-the-art research facilities. Today, the centre offers 14 test benches, four measuring laboratories and workshop facilities across more than 1,500 square metres. Vibration-isolated foundations of up to 350 tonnes, mounted on air springs, ensure highly precise measurements and prevent interference between neighbouring test rigs. This infrastructure enables components, subsystems and complete vehicles to be investigated under realistic, reproducible operating conditions and provides validated data for parallel digital models and simulations.

The development of the FVZ took place in several stages. Following confirmation of the need for new testing and experimental facilities in 2011, preliminary planning for the first two construction phases was initiated. In 2013, the Free State of Saxony acquired the approximately 1.4-hectare site at August-Bebel-Straße 32, creating the basis for implementation. The first construction phase, centred on Building 127 (“Hohe Halle”), ran from September 2013 to December 2014. During this phase, the site was partially developed and equipped with a high-performance electrical supply, central ventilation and cooling systems, central hydraulic and compressed-air infrastructure, and two individual vibration foundations. Installation of the first seven test benches began in January 2015, and the first facilities became available for research and teaching from March 2016. In May 2017, the elastomer bearing test facility was further upgraded with a state-of-the-art four-component test rig.

The second construction phase completed the development of the site. According to TU Dresden’s funded construction project overview, this phase ran from 18 January 2016 to 31 July 2023. Implementation planning began in June 2017, and on-site construction works started in June 2018. In this phase, the two existing halls were extended, the site infrastructure and utility connections across the entire property were completed, seven additional test benches were installed, and further functional rooms were created for component analysis, electrical systems, and staff facilities. The official handover of the new Vehicle Test Centre took place on 27 January 2023.

The FVZ was realised with substantial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF; EFRE in German). The total investment volume amounted to around €37 million, of which approximately €33 million was provided through ERDF funding, with a further €4 million contributed by the Free State of Saxony. Through this investment, TU Dresden has established a research infrastructure of exceptional quality and relevance within the European higher-education and research landscape. The FVZ provides the foundation for advancing safe, efficient and sustainable mobility and for translating scientific insight into future vehicle technologies.