In this work, the experimental results that appeared in the recent published article “Current experimental developments in 48 V-based CI-driven SUVs in response to expected future EU7 legislation” are used to create a proper system simulation model with the simulation platform AVL CRUISE$$^\text {TM}$$ TM  M. This simulation model is then used to perform a system validation in order to evaluate the configuration with a straight-four compression ignition (CI) engine and the selected exhaust aftertreatment system (EAS). The mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) has an 48 V P2 architecture and an 8-gear dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as a powertrain configuration. In addition to evaluating the 48 V potential, the simulation is performed with a conventional 12 V configuration, but also including an electrically heated catalyst (EHC). As boundary conditions for the simulation, we use the different engine operating mode (EOM) calibrations from the test bed to trigger the dedicated operation modes of the internal combustion engine (ICE). For the exhaust aftertreatment system (EAS), an optimization loop is performed to obtain a layout which will be near a serial production. This includes optimizing the heat losses and reducing the thermal mass of the canning. Beside the plant models, a hybrid control unit (HCU) is used, which includes an exhaust aftertreatment system coordinator (EASC). With these functionalities, the EOMs, electrically heated catalyst (EHC), electric machine (EM) and dosing control unit (DCU) are optimized to obtain the lowest possible nitrogen oxides (NOx) with an carbon dioxide (CO$$_{2}$$ 2 ) reduction potential. The targets for the emission limits are defined on the basis of the available information from the Consortium for ultra-Low Vehicle Emissions (CLOVE) and International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) proposals.

In this paper, we describe experimental developments in an Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EAS) used in a four-cylinder Compression Ignition (CI) engine. To meet the carbon dioxide (CO$$_\mathrm {2}$$ 2 ) fleet limit values and to demonstrate a clean emission concept, the CI engine needs to be further developed in a hybridized, modern form before it can be included in the future fleet. In this work, the existing EAS was replaced by an Electrically Heated Catalyst (EHC) and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) double-dosing system. We focused specifically on calibrating the heating modes in tandem with the electric exhaust heating, which enabled us to develop an ultra-fast light-off concept. The paper first outlines the development steps, which were subsequently validated using the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). Then, based on the defined calibration, a sensitivity analysis was conducted by performing various dynamic driving cycles. In particular, we identified emission species that may be limited in the future, such as laughing gas (N$$_\mathrm {2}$$ 2 O), ammonia (NH$$_\mathrm {3}$$ 3 ), or formaldehyde (HCHO), and examined the effects of a general, additional decrease in the limit values, which may occur in the near future. This advanced emission concept can be applied when considering overall internal engine and external exhaust system measures. In our study, we demonstrate impressively low tailpipe (TP) emissions, but also clarify the system limits and the necessary framework conditions that ensure the applicability of this drivetrain concept in this sector.