Skip advert
Advertisement

New mpg tests on way

The European Commission and United Nations are working on a shake up of the way fuel economy is calculated, Auto Express has learned

Mpg tests

Car industry experts are revamping the way fuel economy is calculated to make it closer to real-world driving.

Auto Express has led calls for the current system – which produces Urban, Extra-urban and Combined figures via irrelevant lab testing – to be scrapped. In its place should be a classification which more accurately reflects what motorists might expect to achieve day-to-day.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And it looks as though that’s going to happen. Discussions on drawing up the new system – to be called the Worldwide Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle (WLTC) – are now underway.

The plan is a joint venture between the European Commission and the United Nations, and would create a global standard for setting fuel economy and exhaust emissions figures. It would also define how diesel particulates are measured and procedures to quantify energy consumption of hybrids and EVs.

Documents seen by Auto Express suggest the WLTC would apply across the UK and Europe, as well as in China, India, Japan, South Korea and the US.

One idea known to be on the table is publication of two mpg figures for every new car, giving a best and worst-case scenario. The first would come from testing an empty vehicle with all ancillary systems – such as the air-con, audio and headlights – switched off. The second would be from a car with all this kit turned on and a full complement of passengers.

The news has been welcomed by the UK’s car industry umbrella organisation, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It said the change would remove the current focus on developing new technology that helped cars perform well in mpg and CO2 tests, but not on the road.

Just don’t expect any change quickly. The WLTC review isn’t due for completion until 2014, and new rules won’t come into effect for at least three years after that.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025