Automotive and Vehicle

Interface introduced our load cells to the auto and vehicle industry more than five decades ago. We understand the complexities of testing throughout the entire journey, from component design and prototyping to rigorous safety testing of every piece of equipment. Our quality and precision sensor technologies are essential to manufacturing and production.

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Additional Automotive Solutions

Automotive Overview

Faster, lighter, safer, more responsive automotive vehicle load cell sensors are built at Interface. Nearly every segment of the automotive industry deals with conflicting priorities as they compete to develop new vehicles for their customers. From the focus on extreme performance of racing vehicles to the safety focus of consumer automobiles, Interface can provide force and torque measurement solutions to help you achieve your automotive goals.

We currently supply force and torque sensors directly to automotive OEMs as well as to Tier 1 component vendors and Tier 2 & Tier 3 machine designers, who use Interface force sensors to improve their products and processes.

Interface has been supplying high quality, precision load cells to the automotive industry since 1968, including custom one-off sensors and special application-specific designs. Standard off-the-shelf models such as our 2400 series , our 3200 series Stainless Steel LowProfile™ Load Cells or our WMC Miniature Load Cell family are popular with machine builders and used anywhere a rugged stainless steel load cell is required. Research and development facilities with precision applications favor our 1200 Series LowProfile™ Load Cells with their special moment compensated design. These are used in auto manufacturer assembly lines in a variety of production monitoring and verification applications.Our exceedingly accurate LowProfile™ Load Cells have been used in NASCAR and IndyCar garages for testing individual springs and entire vehicle suspensions.

A moment compensated Interface load cell has as much as 1,000 times less error from side load or moment as our competitor’s products. And many of our sensors feature 10x mechanical overload protection, which helps protect against unintended loads. Our Model BPL Load Cell is a very LowProfile™ load cell for measuring force on gas, brake or clutch pedal.

With a wide range of automotive vehicle load cell sensors, force and torque measurement capabilities and features such as moment compensation, temperature compensation, and mechanical overload protection, Interface can help you design a solution perfect for your automotive application.

Automotive + Vehicle Applications:

Automotive component testing including gearbox, differential, tires, pedals, etc.
Race suspension Tuning & Adjustment
Bushing qualification and bearing press verification
Building a championship race car
Engine dynamometer tuning and testing
Engine head bolt tightening
Hydraulic actuators
Electric vehicle battery testing
Electric vehicle torque testing
Window safety compliance
Steering torque measurement
Fuel pump optimization and fuel flow
Suspension tuning and adjustment
Fuel or Gas tank assembly
Assembly line monitoring, flow, and verification
Seat Testing
Transmission gear box and Gear mesh
Fatigue testing
Motor test stand
Brake and Clutch Pedal Force Testing
Door Fatigue Testing and Spring testing
Bearing press and Press to fit
Wet sanding force monitoring
Window force testing
Crash test
Durability testing, Tire Testing and Shock Absorber testing
Drive train and Differential
Coil Spring, Valve Spring and Suspension Testing
Precision car weight and distribution

SmartTransportation_Infographic

Smart Transportation

Interface supports one of the many automotive and vehicle industry revolutions. One such area of rapid transformation is smart transportation, a rapidly growing field that uses sensors, data, and analytics to improve transportation systems’ efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

In the automotive industry, sensor technologies, including our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors, are being used to improve many features, including crash avoidance, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, EV battery management, and autonomous driving. Essentially sensor technologies are making our transportation systems safer and smarter.

In addition to these safety features, sensors are also being used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of vehicles. Some examples of smart transportation technologies that require testing or embedded sensors include:

Intelligent traffic lights use sensors to detect traffic flow and adjust the timing of the lights to improve traffic flow.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other and share information about their speed, location, and intentions. This can help to prevent collisions and improve traffic flow.
Autonomous vehicles use sensors and software to drive themselves without needing a human driver.

How are Interface products used in smart transportation applications?

Interface load cells measure the weight of cargo or passengers in a vehicle. This information can be used to optimize the weight distribution for better handling and fuel efficiency.
Interface torque transducers measure the amount of torque being applied to the wheels of large transportation vehicles that travel by rail, cable, or road. This information can be used to improve engine and transmission performance.
Interface pillow block load cells provide instant feedback for rail transportation, enabling these fast-moving vehicles to operate safely across hills, plains, mountains, and deserts.
Interface instrumentation solutions gather measurements of different aspects of smart vehicles, such as speed, temperature, and fuel or battery consumption. This information can be used to provide system management operations feedback in real time and help troubleshoot problems.

As this technology continues to develop, we expect to see even more innovative and efficient ways to get around.

Battery Solutions

Advancing Battery Options with Measurement Solutions

The automotive industry is undergoing a monumental transition in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative to internal combustion engine-powered cars. Batteries are the core components of EVs, providing the energy necessary to propel vehicles. Acceptance and advancements of EV’s is highly dependent on the battery. It’s well understood that the mass adoption of EVs has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependency. Consumers are making assessments on vehicles based on battery lifespan, charging options and mileage.

The increase in battery demand is connected to availability of critical materials. Reducing the need for critical materials will also be important for supply chain sustainability, resilience and security. Accelerating advancements in battery capabilities, recycling and materials will drive faster adoption of EVs. The current market shift towards EVs has made the lithium-ion battery the dominant battery type today, surpassing all other types. EV manufacturers prefer partnering with manufacturers (OEMs) of newer model Li-ion batteries due to their lighter weight and higher energy density.

Load Cells and Battery Advancements

Force measurement testing plays a crucial role in many aspects of lithium-ion battery testing, covering multiple stages in research, development, and manufacturing processes. Materials like lithium-sulfur, silicon anodes, and graphene-based electrodes hold great promise. As battery technology continues to evolve, we can expect transformative changes that will redefine how we travel, transport goods, and shape our world. As an industry solution provider, Interface offers various solutions tailored to automotive component and battery manufacturers:

Battery Capacity Testing: Load cells assess the capacity and energy density of lithium-ion batteries by subjecting them to various load profiles and measuring corresponding electrical outputs. This enables the characterization of a battery’s energy storage capabilities and performance over time, crucial for achieving greater range in electric vehicles.

Battery Safety Testing: Given the potential for thermal runaway and safety hazards in lithium-ion batteries, load cells, in combination with temperature and pressure sensors, can monitor critical parameters during battery operation. Detecting abnormal mechanical forces or stresses can indicate impending failure, prompting preventive measures or shutdown protocols.

Battery Environmental Testing: Load cells and other sensor technologies simulate real-world conditions and environmental factors that batteries may encounter throughout their lifespan. This includes vibration testing, temperature cycling, humidity exposure, and acceleration force simulation. Manufacturers and researchers can assess the battery’s performance and reliability under various environmental conditions.

Battery Manufacturing Quality Control: Load cells play a vital role in battery manufacturing processes by ensuring consistent quality and performance. They measure and analyze forces and stresses experienced during assembly, welding, or compression processes, identifying manufacturing defects, inconsistencies, or deviations from design specifications.

Battery R&D, testing and production rely on high-accuracy measurement solutions. As the world manufacturer’s, policy makers and organizations fund signification growth in battery manufacturing and incentives for EV purchases, batteries are expanding their reach into other industries including consumer products, energy and IoT. The possibilities are expansive and have dramatic impact on sustainability and humanity.

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Technology is evolving to the point where robots and computers control most aspects of travel and mobility. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are self-driving cars or vehicles that drive without guidance from a driver. These advanced driving systems are designed to help passengers avoid hazardous roads, creating safe driving experiences without possible human error.

Tailored Solutions for AV Development

We have been a long-time partner of the automotive industry and understand the unique test and measurement challenges of vehicle development, including the innovation in AVs.

Interface goes beyond generic testing tools used in Level 1 through 5 SAE classifications for automation. Accurate force and torque measurement solutions ensure the quality and performance of an AV. Confidence equals adoption. Interface fosters confidence in development with accurate data from our precision, quality sensor technologies, and devices.

We offer a range of trusted measurement solutions, from high-precision miniature load cells for intricate suspension load testing to wireless torque transducers for high-speed data collection. Interface has the support sensors to ensure AVs are meticulously evaluated, proven, and ready to hit the road – safely.

AV Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions:

Sensor Calibration and Accuracy Testing
Software Validation and Simulation
Functional Safety Testing
Real-World Driving Tests Load
Suspension Load Testing
Brake Performance Testing
Steering Torque Testing
Tire Load and Pressure Testing
Powertrain Efficiency Testing
Crash Testing
Torque Measurement in Autonomous Actuators

Interface isn’t just a supplier. We are a trusted partner for OEMs, machine builders, test engineers, and labs focused on bringing next-generation AVs to life. Our measurement devices are instrumental across the entire AV development cycle from R&D to parts and component testing.

We know that AV manufacturers must deliver safe, efficient, and reliable vehicles, paving the way for a future of autonomous transportation. Interface is a partner ready to support this growing market.

AV_InfographicPoster

Auto Racing

Racing teams are always striving for perfection. They meticulously test, tune, and refine every component in a race car to achieve the best performance. Precision measurement is vital in this process, providing the accurate data needed to make informed decisions about everything from tire performance to engine tuning.

As race car teams strive to gain a competitive edge, measured in seconds, Interface continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate force measurement solutions are used to test the limits of every component used in motorsports. Our products provide the competitive advantage that teams need, pushing performance demands for all types of racing machines, for professional and amateur level racing. Check out how we helped the Gopher Motorsport Racing Team.

What is widely acknowledged in the racing community is that engineers and manufacturers of equipment and parts used in these high-performance vehicles rely on Interface for precision testing solutions. Our products, known for their unparalleled precision, have been proven in the racing arena.

Types of Racing Vehicle Tests Using Load Cells, Torque Transducers and Multi-Axis Sensors

Aerodynamic Load Testing
Suspension Load and Travel Analysis
Brake Performance Testing
Engine Dynamometer Testing
Tire Load and Contact Patch Analysis
Powertrain Efficiency and Performance Testing
Bearing Load and Friction Analysis
Gearbox Efficiency Testing
Impact and Crash Testing
Structural Integrity and Fatigue Testing
Driver Input and Control Force Analysis
Vehicle Dynamics and Handling Analysis
Wear and Durability Testing

These measurement systems provide critical data for racing teams to design and develop high-performance vehicles that are competitive, safe, and reliable.

Types of Interface Sensors Used in Auto Racing:

Interface’s load cells and torque transducers are not just used, but extensively utilized in racing vehicle design, testing, and performance tracking. The data acquired through these sensors, which have been proven effective, helps performance auto engineers optimize vehicle components, ensuring they perform at their best under the intense conditions of a race.

We like to ensure our products are top-class and help our customers win! Experience affirms the positive performance effects of force measurement in auto racing. In the highly competitive world of automotive racing, every millisecond counts.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

In today’s automotive marketplace, electric vehicles (EVs) are reaching a point where their technology and capabilities are fully realized and poised for a mass-scale breakthrough. The global electric vehicle sector is expected to reach 40 million units sold by 2030. By this time, EVs are projected to capture between 40% and over 60% of the new global light-vehicle market. This explosive growth is driven by economics, technology, and policy incentives.

Interface has been a long-time partner of the automotive industry, proactively investing in the development of sensor solutions to support the superior testing requirements of all components used in EVs. Accurate force and torque measurement solutions ensure the quality and performance of these vehicles. Testing and accuracy in measurement are critical for every part to ensure safety, reliability, durability, and overall vehicle performance.

Interface Solutions for EV Testing and Performance Monitoring

The AxialTQ Wireless Rotary Torque Transducer System is engineered for high-speed testing of EV motors and drivetrains. The system boasts a crash-proof design, industry-leading accuracy, and simultaneous analog/digital outputs, enabling real-time control. The AxialTQ™ Wireless Rotary Torque Transducer System with In-Line Magnetic Encoder Kit and Single or Double Flex Couplings is a complete solution ideal for EV applications.

EV Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions:

Electric Motor & Dynamometer Testing (Torque, RPM, Efficiency)

Electric Vehicle Battery Monitoring
Electric Vehicle Structural Battery Testing
Battery Cell, Module, and Pack Compression Testing
E-Axle and Drivetrain Efficiency Testing
Regenerative Braking Force Validation
Steering Torque and Effort Measurement
Component End-of-Line (EOL) Verification

Testing, measurement, and sensor technology are critical to optimizing parts and components in the electric vehicle market. The broader EV sensor market is experiencing a surge in demand for sensors that monitor temperature, current, pressure, and position—all crucial for the Battery Management System (BMS) and thermal control. Force and torque sensors provide the necessary mechanical validation layer, measuring rotational power efficiency and structural component durability.

Additional Interface products used in EV testing include:

The industry trend is toward highly automated, data-intensive testing, incorporating advanced analytics and high-precision DAQ to handle the multi-physics testing of the modern e-powertrain. Interface is proud to be a key supplier of instrumentation that is contributing to the continued growth of this vital technology.

Brake Testing

Safety remains the top priority in the automotive industry. The braking system, as the most vital safety component, must function reliably in all conditions. Brake testing is essential to ensure accuracy across all vehicle types, from passenger cars to heavy trucks, especially with the rise of EVs and autonomous technologies. The demand for brake testing using high-precision sensor technologies is rapidly growing.

Our load cell technologies, torque transducers, wireless systems, and instrumentation provide the critical, objective data needed to verify that brake systems meet the strict performance standards for passenger vehicles, heavy commercial trucks, racing applications, and even specialized vehicle simulators.

Types of Brake Testing Using Force Measurement Solutions

Component-Level Analysis
Brake-By-Wire R&D and System Calibration
Brake Dynamometer Performance Testing
Heavy Truck Air Brake System Testing
Brake Caliper Testing and Clamping Force Validation
Brake Calibration
Simulation Braking Systems
Material and Fatigue Testing
Racing Car Brake Testing
Tractor and Heavy-Duty Equipment Brake Evaluations

Interface Products Used in Brake Testing

Interface is a trusted supplier of high-accuracy force measurement solutions used across the entire spectrum of brake testing, from initial R&D simulators to final production sign-off. Interface load cells are engineered for the harsh, high-cycle testing environments required by brake manufacturers and test labs globally.

Stringent global safety regulations, the expansion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the industry-wide shift to Brake-by-Wire and regenerative braking in electric vehicles (EVs) are also fueling the use of precision load cells in brake testing. Interface’s load cells, as strain-gage-based force transducers, offer the gold standard for accuracy and reliability, integrating seamlessly with modern data acquisition (DAQ) and wireless systems used in road and laboratory testing.

We are committed to supplying quality force and torque measurement systems that validate the safety and reliability of every vehicle’s most critical system.

Vehicle Safety

Safety ranks as a top priority in the automotive industry. Testing is fundamental to safety, whether for single-passenger vehicles or multi-passenger transport. Crash testing and safety system validation are crucial for saving lives and improving vehicle designs across all types of moving platforms, from autonomous shuttles to heavy commercial trucks.

Interface’s force measurement products supplies data for compliance, impact testing, material testing, and component-level safety analysis. Ongoing updates to global standards for crashworthiness, side-impact protection, and pedestrian safety increase the need for comprehensive testing.

The Modern Shift in Safety Testing

Mandatory international regulations and rapid advancements in simulation technologies characterize the automotive safety and crash testing sector. This growth mirrors the industry’s shift toward virtual validation to reduce physical testing costs and accelerate the development of complex systems.

The rise of EVs and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) demands specialized safety tests to verify battery-pack integrity, high-voltage system isolation, and new structural designs for crash testing. Interface offers highly accurate, durable force and torque sensors that are essential for measuring and quantifying impact energy and forces that influence injury potential in crashes or safety system failures across all vehicle types.

Vehicle Safety Testing Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions

Crash walls and full-scale impact testing
Pre-crash system validation
Braking force analysis
Restraint seat belt and airbag testing
Crash dummies (ATDs)
Component-level analysis of vehicle interiors and exteriors
Material testing
Subsystem structural safety tests
Structural EV battery tests
Autonomous vehicle safety system validation and monitoring
Simulators and test rigs
Drop and collapse tests

Interface Products Used in Vehicle Safety Testing

Interface is dedicated to delivering dependable, precise measurement solutions that provide the foundational data that engineers depend on to design safer vehicles.

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Automotive and Vehicle Solutions from the IQ Blog

Force Measurement in Crash Testing Improves Designs and Saves Lives

October 16, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Crash testing uses Interface load cells to collect high-speed, accurate force data to identify a vehicle’s specific weaknesses by measuring the energy and impact of a collision. Load cell data is used in impact, component, and structural crash testing to verify safety ratings and inform design improvements.

Digital Prototyping and Precision Load Cells Advance Modern Manufacturing

April 10, 2025/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Digital prototyping in manufacturing uses simulation for product development. Interface load cells validate these simulations and digital models using accurate real-world measurement data for physical product development in testing and validation. This important collaboration saves time, resources, and costs in modernizing manufacturing.

Engineering Peak Performance in Auto Racing Requires Precision Measurement

August 22, 2024/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface load cells and torque transducers provide precision measurements in auto racing vehicle design, testing, and performance tracking. The data acquired through these sensors, like the AxialTQ, helps performance auto engineers optimize vehicle components, ensuring they perform at their best under the intense conditions of a race.

Interface Validates Trends in Automotive Test and Measurement

October 19, 2023/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface is a trusted supplier to automotive testing labs and automakers of precision sensor technologies for force and torque measurement. Our load cells support research, testing, and innovation in the industry. There is a growing demand for Interface torque transducers for motor, engine, EV battery, tire, and component tests.

Accelerating Automotive Excellence in the Test Lab

July 6, 2023/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface understands that test labs need the very best in terms of testing devices and equipment. Interface, a supplier to automotive testing labs for decades, has a broad range of products used in all types of torque, force, and weighing applications. Accelerating Automotive Excellence With Interface Testing Lab Solutions is a new case study that details common challenges and solutions offered by Interface to fit the requirements of today’s modern automotive industry testing lab.

Interface Powers Smart Transportation Solutions

May 30, 2023/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Smart transportation uses Interface transducers to measure force, torque, or weight. Our load cells, torque transducers, scales, load pins, tension links, and multi-axis sensors provide vital force, torque and weight measurement data in the design, development, testing and performance monitoring of various smart transportation systems and components. Our products are used in smart transportation for cargo weighing, railway monitoring, EV structural tests, automotive components, and transportation infrastructure projects.

Exploring Interface Capabilities and Differentiators

August 19, 2022/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface is the largest producer of load cells defined by a particularly important core differentiator. The Interface difference is precision. How do we maintain this standard of excellence? Interface is directed by our foundational 4-pillars for success: quality, service, accuracy, […]

Interface Automotive Force Measurement Solutions

April 12, 2022/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Interface introduced our load cells to the auto and vehicle industry more than five decades ago. Quality and precision sensor technologies are essential to manufacturing and production for vehicles. Interface force measurement devices are used for critical testing in both commercial […]

Interface Helps to Power the Electric Vehicle Market Forward

October 19, 2021/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

Any time innovation is introduced into the market, it takes many years to iterate and realize the full potential of the technology. In today’s automotive marketplace, electric vehicles (EV) are reaching a point where the technology and capabilities are fully […]

Advancing Auto Testing with Interface Measurement Solutions

September 28, 2021/in Blog /by Jamie Glass

What classifies as the automotive industry involves a complex and dynamic mix of suppliers, makers and designers of all types of vehicles, as well as prototypes of the changing demands and requirements of consumers both big and small. Whether we […]

Industry Solutions

Product Applications

Interface Guides

Custom Solutions

Company Overview

Automotive and Vehicle

Additional Automotive Solutions

Automotive Overview

Automotive + Vehicle Applications:

Smart Transportation

Battery Solutions

Advancing Battery Options with Measurement Solutions

Load Cells and Battery Advancements

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Auto Racing

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Brake Testing

Vehicle Safety

Automotive and Vehicle Applications

Additional Resources

Automotive and Vehicle Solutions from the IQ Blog

Force Measurement in Crash Testing Improves Designs and Saves Lives

Digital Prototyping and Precision Load Cells Advance Modern Manufacturing

Engineering Peak Performance in Auto Racing Requires Precision Measurement

Interface Validates Trends in Automotive Test and Measurement

Accelerating Automotive Excellence in the Test Lab

Interface Powers Smart Transportation Solutions

Exploring Interface Capabilities and Differentiators

Interface Automotive Force Measurement Solutions

Interface Helps to Power the Electric Vehicle Market Forward

Advancing Auto Testing with Interface Measurement Solutions

Industry Solutions

Product Applications

Interface Guides

Custom Solutions

Company Overview

Automotive and Vehicle

Additional Automotive Solutions

Automotive Overview

Automotive + Vehicle Applications:

Automotive and Vehicle Applications

Additional Resources

Automotive and Vehicle Solutions from the IQ Blog

Interface Products used in Automotive and Vehicle

AxialTQ™ Wireless Rotary Torque Transducer

BPL Pedal Load Cell

1100 Ultra Precision Universal LowProfile Load Cell

1200 Standard Precision Universal LowProfile Load Cell

2400 Standard Stainless Steel Low Capacity Universal Load Cell

SSMF Fatigue Rated S-Type Load Cell

SML Low Height Load Cell

9330 battery powered high speed data logging indicator

9870 High-Speed High Performance TEDS Ready Indicator

3A Series 3-Axis Force Load Cells

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