Synopsis
Maneuverability is a critical performance parameter for intercity buses, directly influencing operational capability in constrained environments and regulatory compliance. This study presents a
comprehensive evaluation of maneuverability performance for buses with different vehicle lengths in accordance with EU Regulation 2021/535 Annex XIII.
The analysis is based on a validated reference vehicle (12 m), for which a physical maneuver test was conducted under prescribed boundary conditions (outer radius: 12.5 m, inner radius: 5.3 m). The
results confirmed compliance with regulatory requirements and established a validated steering basis.
Using this reference, derivative vehicles with increased lengths (12.1 m and 12.8 m) were evaluated through an integrated approach combining Ackermann-based analytical calculations and CAD-based swept path simulations. Since the steering system configuration remained unchanged, the influence of geometric parameters such as wheelbase and overhang on maneuverability was isolated and analyzed.
The maneuver simulations were performed under quasi-static conditions using a purely kinematic model, consistent with the geometric nature of Annex XIII requirements. The swept path envelopes were generated and compared against regulatory boundaries to assess compliance.
Results indicate that increasing vehicle length significantly affects the required steering angle window for compliance, with longer vehicles representing the critical case. However, both evaluated onfigurations satisfy the maneuverability criteria within mechanically achievable steering limits. The study demonstrates that a combined analytical, simulation-based, and experimentally validated methodology provides a reliable framework for assessing maneuverability performance of derivative vehicle variants. This approach supports efficient homologation processes while minimizing the need
for repeated physical testing.
