Vehicle Engineering

Chassis Selection & Feasibility

Selecting the correct chassis is one of the most critical decisions in a bus, minibus or commercial passenger vehicle project. TLG SYSTEMS supports chassis feasibility studies by evaluating wheelbase, GVW, axle capacities, packaging limits, bodybuilder documentation, passenger layout targets and homologation constraints before detailed body design begins.

What we evaluate during chassis feasibility

The chassis must support the commercial target, passenger capacity, body structure, access concept, axle load balance and regulatory route. Our feasibility process helps identify whether the selected chassis can realistically carry the intended vehicle concept before time and cost are spent on full engineering.

01

Wheelbase & Vehicle Length

Evaluation of possible body length, front/rear overhang, turning behaviour, entrance position and usable passenger area.

02

GVW & Axle Load Capacity

Preliminary check of gross vehicle weight, front axle limit, rear axle limit, seating capacity and luggage/load assumptions.

03

Chassis Packaging Restrictions

Review of fuel tank, AdBlue tank, exhaust, batteries, air tanks, suspension parts, drivetrain and underbody limitations.

04

Bodybuilder Manual Review

Analysis of OEM bodybuilder drawings, cut zones, reinforcement requirements, electrical interface rules and chassis restrictions.

05

Passenger Layout Feasibility

Initial review of seat count, aisle width, wheelchair area, luggage volume, entrance geometry and interior packaging.

06

Homologation Direction

Early check of regulatory route, vehicle class, R107/R118 scope, COC preparation and VECTO-related data requirements.

Typical feasibility outputs

The output of this phase is a clear technical decision: proceed with the selected chassis, modify the target, or select a more suitable platform before starting detailed body development.

  • Chassis feasibility summary Clear assessment of whether the selected chassis can support the intended body, capacity and application target.
  • Wheelbase and length recommendation Practical recommendation for vehicle length, overhang balance, entrance position and layout direction.
  • Preliminary weight and axle load direction Early mass distribution logic to avoid front/rear axle overload risks during later design stages.
  • Packaging risk list Identification of fuel tank, exhaust, battery, air tank, suspension, door, step and underbody conflict areas.
  • Go / modify / reject decision Engineering-based decision support before committing to full CAD, prototype production or homologation preparation.
Wheelbase logic Length, overhang, entrance location, interior layout and body proportions.
Weight logic GVW, axle loads, passenger mass, luggage/load assumptions and equipment weight.
Packaging logic Fuel tank, battery, exhaust, AdBlue, air tanks, suspension and door mechanism constraints.
Approval logic Vehicle class, OEM restrictions, COC preparation, VECTO inputs and homologation feasibility.
Feasibility Area Key Questions Engineering Output
Chassis Selection Is the selected chassis suitable for the intended vehicle length, seating capacity, body type and operating profile? Recommended chassis configuration, wheelbase direction and initial platform suitability decision.
Axle Load Balance Can the vehicle meet front and rear axle limits with passengers, luggage, fuel/energy system and body structure? Preliminary axle load logic and risk areas requiring design control.
Body Packaging Are there conflicts with tank positions, exhaust, batteries, suspension, door entrance, step layout or underbody equipment? Packaging risk map and modification requirements before detailed CAD design.
Passenger Concept Can the desired seating capacity, wheelchair area, aisle clearance and entrance geometry be achieved realistically? Initial layout direction and passenger capacity feasibility.
Homologation Route Which regulatory requirements, documentation needs and approval route must be considered from the start? Early homologation scope including COC preparation, VECTO-related inputs and applicable regulation direction.