New Worldwide MPG Tests On The Way

[dpeilow]

New mpg tests on way

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.

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.

[dsm363]

This is good news. Real information allows people to make more informed decisions. I somehow doubt the EPA will adopt this testing protocol though.

[Robert.Boston]

I hope that the new Urban cycle includes lots of time sitting in creeping, stop-and-go traffic. That's what I see every day and where an EV shines.

[jerry33]

I don't really understand the need for a new test. The tests we have work if if used properly (as a comparison against what you really get). In other words, if you get 80% of your current car's rating, then you'll likely get 80% of a new car's rating. Changing the numbers, or even the test, will only move those who are unhappy with the current test from one set of people to another.