ADAC Highway Cycle (BAB 130)

Time-speed data points

The ADAC highway cycle is a chassis dynamometer test that has been developed by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.) as part of the EcoTest car testing protocol [2625]. The highway test cycle is referred to as BAB 130, where BAB stands for Bundesautobahn (German for federal highway) and 130 is the maximum speed in km/h.

The ADAC EcoTest—introduced in Germany to provide consumers with information on the eco-friendliness of cars—involves testing that goes beyond applicable legal requirements. The EcoTest evaluates both CO₂ and pollutant emissions (HC, CO, NOx, PM, PN). Since 2012 (version 3.0), EcoTest testing is performed over three test cycles: (1) the NEDC, (2) the WLTP and (3) the BAB 130. Based on the results, the vehicle is assigned a one to five star EcoTest rating that is displayed on a label on new vehicles.

The BAB 130 test, Figure 1, includes three segments:

A warm-up segment, 0-199 s
Phase 1, 200-470 s
Phase 2, 471-741 s

The test is performed with air conditioning on (set for 20°C), with open air louvers and with the fan operating at a quarter power.

[chart] — **Figure 1.** ADAC Highway Cycle—BAB 130

Acknowledgement: Information for this article contributed in part by ADAC.