Internship | Data-based mission profile synthesis for heavy duty vehicles throughout Europe

Getting detailed, real-world driving data - especially high frequency speed and acceleration - is tough, but it’s key for understanding fuel use and energy consumption. Standard driving cycles like WLTC (passenger cars) and VECTO (trucks) are useful, but they cover only specific driving behavior. In this project, we want to build a data-driven, stochastic model that can create realistic driving profiles along any route. By combining routing info like elevation, speed limits, and road type with real driving data, we can simulate natural driving behavior and get better insights into energy use and emissions.

Real world driving data of road vehicles (passenger cars or trucks) is hard to come by. Especially high frequency speed/acceleration data is often not readily available. For analyses regarding fuel or energy consumption this type of data is important, as speed and acceleration play a dominant role in computing this consumption. Currently, we are often tempted to use the standardized driving profiles such as WLTC (for passenger vehicles) and VECTO profiles (for heavy-duty vehicles). Even though these profiles are generated based on real driving data, they are eventually averaged and do therefore paint a limited picture of actual driving. We would like to use a stochastic approach based on real driving data with which we can generate these driving profiles for ourselves, based on certain inputs.

Through routing services, information such as elevation (and inclination), maximum speed, road type (highway, rural road etc) can be obtained for each point along a route. By combining this information with the (limited amount of) real driving data that we have for certain vehicles, we can create a model that produces driving patterns that are realistic: they include dynamic speed/acceleration variation, dependent on the road type and/or inclination, of change of heading (turns). The goal of this project is to create a model that generates realistic, data-driven driving profiles along a given route, as well as an inventory of driving behaviour per road type and the associated emissions.

You are focused on achieving results and having influence and impact within TNO. You are socially involved, creative and able to think out of the box. You combine these qualities with a good dose of enthusiasm to work on sustainable mobility, both in a technical and policy sense. You take ownership of your work and you are a team player who solves problems together with others. You are also structured, analytically and qualitatively strong. You are strong in communication and you can listen "actively". You are currently finishing your master’s degree. This assignment requires programming skills in Python.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 24th of October, 2025. After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.