Photo: BMW
After years of claimed fuel efficiency meaning absolutely nothing for drivers, the European Commission and the UN have joined forces in order to create a global standard of how fuel economy, emissions and diesel particulates are measured, called the WLTC (Worldwide Light-Duty Test Cycle). The new standards will most likely apply throughout the world (Europe, the US, China, India, Japan and South Korea).
The urban, extra-urban and mixed figures we are used to are never actually achieved on the road. The testing is carried out in laboratories and is usually inaccurate and of no use in real world conditions.
In place of the old system the EC and UN joint effort will impose two new fuel efficiency figures in place of the old three: a best and worst case scenario figure. The former will equate to the vehicle being empty, with all additional systems turned off(AC, Radio, lights etc), while the latter will have the car will all systems running and passengers up to the vehicle’s full carrying capacity.
Talks are now underway but the transition to the new system isn’t expected to take place until at least 2017.
In place of the old system the EC and UN joint effort will impose two new fuel efficiency figures in place of the old three: a best and worst case scenario figure. The former will equate to the vehicle being empty, with all additional systems turned off(AC, Radio, lights etc), while the latter will have the car will all systems running and passengers up to the vehicle’s full carrying capacity.
Talks are now underway but the transition to the new system isn’t expected to take place until at least 2017.
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