Since the 1980s, European new car emissions and fuel economy tests have been carried out using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). From 1 September 2017, a new test was introduced, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), to give both car buyers and owners a more realistic understanding of a car's performance.
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WORLDWIDE HARMONIZED LIGHT VEHICLE TEST PROCEDURE
The new test method for fuel economy and emissions.
What is WLTP?
The European Union has developed a new test called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) which came into effect on 1st September 2017 for new type approvals and 1 September 2018 for all vehicles. This will replace the current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure for establishing the official Fuel Consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars.
The new WLTP laboratory test will also be supplemented by an emissions test that measures pollutants directly on the road: RDE (Real Driving Emissions) and was brought into the new testing regime to provide a closer representation of ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and CO2 figures and provide model-specific values at the point of sale.
NEDC TO WLTP: WHAT’S CHANGING?
With advances in vehicle technology and changes in driving conditions, the near-40-year-old NEDC driving cycle test has been replaced. To give you a more accurate way of calculating and comparing a car’s fuel consumption and emissions, the new WLTP test introduces more realistic testing conditions, so that lab measurements better reflect the on-road performance of a car.
HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE WLTP TESTS:
CYCLE TIME
Test lasts 30 minutes, an increase of 10 minutes.
DRIVING PHASES
More dynamic phases: 52% urban and 48% non-urban.
CYCLE DISTANCE
23.25 kilometres long, over twice the old distance.
GEAR SHIFTS
Each vehicle has different, rather than fixed, gear shift points.
TEST CYCLE
Dynamic tests which are more representative of real-driving behaviour.
AVERAGE & MAXIMUM SPEEDS
Average speed is 46.5km/h (an increase of 12.5km/h) while top speed is raised to 131km/h.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Additional vehicle options (impacting CO2 and consumption) are taken into account.
TEST TEMPERATURES
Measurements now taken at 23°C (and CO2 values corrected to 14°C) vs 20-30 °C.
What does WLTP mean for me?
WLTP will facilitate a better means of assessing how high the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the vehicle may be on average. At the same time, however, more realistic values will also mean higher consumption and CO2 values for vehicles with combustion engines and a lower electric range for electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids). These new tests will not have any effect or change the performance of the vehicle.
As Lexus transition to WLTP the following type approval timings will apply:
Commercial and Passenger vehicles (types M1 and N1 (i)):
- From September 2017, all new model introductions are subject to WLTP type approval and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing.
- From September 2018, all new registrations need to comply to WLTP type approval.
- From September 2019, all new registrations need to comply to Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing.
INTRODUCING GREATER CLARITY
At Lexus, we welcome the change to WLTP, which will provide our customers with a more accurate basis for calculating fuel economy and emissions.
Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load.
All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures.
The official CO2 figures for vehicles changed as from 1st April 2020, due to a change in the official method of calculation. CO2 figures are used in the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) for new cars during their first year of registration. As a result, all CO2 figures, car tax and 'on the road' prices for new vehicles, which were provided or displayed prior to 1st April 2020, may now have changed for vehicles which were not registered before that date. These dates may change, please visit www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp for the latest information.
Please consult contact your local Lexus Centre for further information.
EVERYDAY TESTS, REALISTIC RESULTS
The new WLTP tests will ensure that lab measurements now better reflect the situations you will experience in everyday life. This means that fuel consumption and emissions values displayed for new cars are a far better representation of what you are actually likely to achieve.
