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If you are in the market for a new car, understanding how fuel or electricity consumption is measured may be of interest to you, and you might have come across the term Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The WLTP is a global standard for testing vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and energy use. Introduced to provide more realistic and accurate figures, the WLTP ensures that car buyers can make informed decisions when comparing models.
By relying on WLTP figures, you can better evaluate a car's efficiency and costs, making it easier to choose the right vehicle for your needs.
WLTP Explained: How New Cars Are Tested for Energy Efficiency
To compare the energy consumption of cars on a ‘level playing field’ basis, all new cars sold in the UK have to be tested using the same method. Defined by EU law, this method is called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). You’ll often see these letters mentioned in brochures, on websites, and on the official documents available at Eden’s showrooms.
To ensure fairness, all WLTP tests are conducted under strict laboratory conditions. These tests measure fuel consumption for petrol and diesel vehicles, CO2 and pollutant emissions from internal combustion engines, as well as range and energy consumption for electric vehicles. The WLTP replaced the outdated New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests, which were designed in the 1980s. The NEDC had become unreliable as it no longer reflected real-world driving conditions.
The new WLTP test cycle was developed using real-driving data collected globally. However, the actual tests are conducted on a rolling road to ensure consistent conditions. This guarantees that the results are comparable across all vehicles. The equipment used in WLTP tests resembles some of the machines in Eden’s MoT workshops. Unlike regular workshops, the temperature is meticulously controlled during every WLTP test to ensure precision. The WLTP test is divided into four sections, simulating real-world driving at different average speeds: low speed at 35mph, medium speed at 47mph, high speed at 60mph, and extra high speed at 81mph. Rather than being at a constant speed, each section includes a variety of stops, acceleration, and braking phases to replicate real driving conditions.
To provide accurate results, every powertrain configuration of a car model is tested. The published WLTP figures include results for both the most economical and least economical versions of the vehicle.
The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is the globally recognised standard for assessing the range of electric vehicles (EVs). Designed to provide accurate and reliable data, the WLTP measures how far an EV can travel on a single charge under standardised conditions. This procedure takes into account key factors that impact an EV’s range, including vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and battery efficiency. By simulating diverse driving conditions and speeds, the WLTP offers a more realistic estimation of an electric car’s real-world performance. For consumers, the WLTP provides transparent and comparable data, helping drivers choose an EV that aligns with their lifestyle and driving habits. Whether you're considering a city-friendly compact EV or a long-range electric SUV, WLTP range tests deliver the clarity needed to make informed decisions about your next electric vehicle.
While the WLTP figures you see in brochures and official documents are achievable under ideal conditions, they may not always reflect real-world driving scenarios. For example, electric vehicle (EV) drivers often notice improved range figures in milder weather, as temperature impacts battery performance. However, in everyday use, you’re likely to consume more fuel or energy than the WLTP results suggest due to factors like driving style, road conditions, and weather.
At Eden, our experts can help you understand what to realistically expect from your vehicle in your unique ‘real-world’ driving conditions. Whether you’re choosing a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric car, we can provide practical insights tailored to your driving patterns and needs.
Yes, both electric and hybrid cars go through the same tests as traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, except there is obviously no need to measure the exhaust emissions of a pure electric car. However, you will see a WLTP figure that shows how far an EV could go before it needs recharging – both for pure electric and PHEV vehicles.
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