Performance

The performance test includes the following:

  • Acceleration — Using a large-roll chassis dynamometer, the vehicle is accelerated and the speed verses time data is recorded and plotted.
  • Gradeability — From the acceleration data, the gradeability is calculated at 5-mile-per-hour increments.
  • Top Speed — The top speed obtained on the dynamometer is recorded. It is noted whether the top speed is power-limited or goverened. 

Read the full test procedure.


 
 

About

Established in 1989 by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute with funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration, the Larson Transportation Institute’s Bus Research and Testing Center tests buses for safety, structural integrity, durability, performance, maintainability, noise, emissions, energy economy, and fuel economy. Based primarily in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the Center also has a facility located at the Larson Transportation Institute Test Track in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.  

Bus Research and Testing Center

2237 Plank Road

Duncansville, PA 16635

Phone: 814-695-3404

Fax: 814-695-4069