What is WLTP?

The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is a means of measuring the fuel consumption, pollutants and CO2 emissions from all passenger cars currently on sale. Its purpose is to inform potential purchasers of these figures based on more realistic real-world driving data compared to its predecessor, the New European Driving Cycle Test (NEDC), which came into place in the 1980s. As the name suggests, the new procedure is set to implement a global test cycle that will therefore allow the results to be comparable worldwide and across world markets. Nevertheless, nations will still be required to apply the test differently depending on their own driving laws and needs.

What's changed?

Even though the new tests will still take place in a laboratory, the techniques used have been adapted to better reflect the on-road performance of a car. The procedure has been created based on real-driving data rather than on theoretical scenarios as before. Therefore, the fuel consumption and emissions figures produced by the WLTP will be far more accurate than they have been to date. In order to test more realistic driving behaviour the test includes: • Higher average and maximum speeds • A greater range of driving situations (urban, suburban, motorway) • Longer test distances • More representative accelerations and decelerations • Shorter stops • More realistic ambient temperatures – closer to the European average

When does it come into effect?

The legislation has already been in place for all new models released since September 2017. WLTP certification will then become compulsory on all models, regardless of how long they have been on the market, from September this year. Until that point there will be both NEDC and WLTP values in circulation, meaning that comparing models in this way may be difficult for consumers.

Between now and September 2018, Mercedes-Benz will gradually certify its portfolio under WLTP. From that date, it is likely that the new WLTP values will be shown in all sales documents and other publications. The NEDC consumption will be shown for discontinued models.

In future, when choosing their optional extras, customers will be able to calculate the CO₂ emissions of their vehicle model more accurately than before. To ensure clarity and maximum possible transparency, Mercedes-Benz will actively follow the introduction phases of the WLTP and provide dealers and customers with targeted information.

What about the RDE test?

The Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test also measures the pollutants emitted but it was the first to do so using on-road tests. Like WLTP, it's first division (RDE1) also came into place in September 2017 with the second (RDE2) following in April. RDE does not replace the WLTP laboratory test, but complements it. The results from both will be compared to ensure the laboratory results produced during WLTP can be achieved in an on-road setting.

What does this mean for me?

Although it will not change a car’s real fuel consumption performance, the more rigorous testing of WLTP will result in higher CO2 values (and therefore fuel consumption figures) compared to the NEDC test. Because UK vehicle taxation laws are based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions, consumers should expect changes to how vehicle tax is calculated for all vehicles. The current taxation systems for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Benefit in Kind (BiK) will remain in use until a complete overhaul takes place to solely reflect WLTP values. This is currently anticipated to be in April 2020. To ensure the taxation system is fair in this transitionary period, new models that have been issued with a WLTP value will also have a back-calculated NEDC value. It is this NEDC value that is used to assign a tax band. Nevertheless, experts suggest that the move to WLTP should not increase costs for customers because there hasn't been a change to the vehicle’s consumption in the real world. However, we are yet to receive confirmation on exactly what the new system will look like;

“The move to the new WLTP test should not negatively impact vehicle taxation by increasing costs for the consumers. After all, the vehicle’s performance is not affected by the transition to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. However, WLTP will result in a higher g/km CO2 value for a specific vehicle compared to NEDC, simply because it is more rigorous than the old test.” – WLTP Facts

The WLTP brings about important changes for all car owners. There are some great resources out there to help explain the new legislation and the reasons behind it. Our recommendations are listed below:

1. WLTP Facts
2. Vehicle Certification Agency

If you would like advice on how this affects you and your next purchase, contact us today.

Image credits: WLTPfacts