Piezolelectric actuators are devices able to transform electrical power into mechanical strain. A commonly used piezoelectric material is lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which offers macroscopic piezoelectricity after the poling process. The setting of a differential voltage yields a corresponding elongation of the component. Although such relative elongation at 2MV/m ranges in the order of about 0.1 %, the process takes place with high force and velocity. The use of multilayer technology in this field has made possible to reduce the operating voltage and to enlarge the area of application of piezoelectric devices. The aim of this work is focused on characterisation of piezoelectric actuators for automotive applications. In doing so, a microstructural characterization of the piezoceramic employed has been carried out in different positions within the component. Additionally, an electro-mechanical measuring station has been set up to assess the properties of the actuator as well as its behaviour under service conditions. These results have been implemented in a 2D finite element model in order to simulate the electro-mechanical response of such piezoelectric actuators. Based on the simulation results it has been possible to draw conclusions from the strain-stress distribution in the component and in particular to account for the influence of the poling process on the remnant elongation in the actuator.