Fuel consumption, also known as fuel economy, refers to the amount of fuel that a vehicle consumes in order to travel a certain distance. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a vehicle, as it can have a significant impact on the running costs of the vehicle and on the environment.
One way that fuel consumption is measured is through the use of standardized test procedures, such as the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The NEDC is a test procedure that is used to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles in the European Union (EU).
The NEDC test consists of a series of driving cycles that simulate different driving conditions, including urban, suburban, and highway driving. The test is performed on a chassis dynamometer, which simulates the resistance and rolling resistance of driving on the road.
The NEDC test is designed to provide a standard method for comparing the fuel consumption and emissions of different vehicles. It is used to calculate the official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures that are published by vehicle manufacturers and reported to the relevant authorities.
| Test Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) | A standardized test procedure used to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles in the European Union (EU). Consists of a series of driving cycles that simulate different driving conditions, including urban, suburban, and highway driving. Performed on a chassis dynamometer. Used to calculate the official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures that are published by vehicle manufacturers and reported to the relevant authorities. |
| Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) | A more realistic and stringent test procedure that is used to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles in the European Union (EU). Replaced the NEDC test in 2017. Includes a wider range of driving conditions and a higher maximum speed, as well as more stringent emission limits. Designed to provide more accurate fuel consumption and emissions figures that better reflect real-world driving conditions. |
The results of these tests are often included in the documents that manufacturers produce, such as the CDS (Complete Datasheet), to provide consumers with information about the environmental performance of different vehicles.
However, the NEDC test has come under criticism in recent years for being unrealistic and not accurately reflecting real-world driving conditions. As a result, the NEDC test has been replaced by the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the EU.
The WLTP is a more realistic and stringent test procedure that is intended to provide more accurate fuel consumption and emissions figures that better reflect real-world driving conditions. The WLTP test includes a wider range of driving conditions and a higher maximum speed, as well as more stringent emission limits.
Overall, the NEDC and WLTP test procedures play an important role in helping to measure and compare the fuel consumption and emissions of different vehicles. However, it is important to note that the official fuel consumption figures obtained from these tests may not necessarily reflect the actual fuel consumption of a vehicle in real-world driving conditions.
Whats the difference beetween WLTP and NEDC?
The Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) are two standardized test procedures used to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles. Both test cycles are designed to simulate real-world driving conditions and provide a standardized way to compare the performance of different vehicles.
One key difference between the WLTP and NEDC is the level of precision and accuracy. The WLTP test procedure is considered to be more representative of real-world driving conditions than the NEDC, as it includes a wider range of driving speeds and conditions and is conducted over a longer distance. The WLTP test also takes into account factors such as air conditioning, auxiliary power consumption, and the use of additional equipment, which can have a significant impact on fuel consumption and emissions.
Another difference between the two test cycles is the range of vehicles that they are designed to test. The WLTP test is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, light-duty commercial vehicles, and motorcycles, while the NEDC test is primarily designed for passenger cars.
In summary, the WLTP test procedure is a more comprehensive and accurate way to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles compared to the NEDC. It is used to provide consumers with more realistic and reliable information about the environmental performance of different vehicles.
Understanding the NEDC Test Procedure: How a Vehicle’s Fuel Consumption and Emissions are Measured
The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a standardized test procedure used to measure the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles. It is designed to simulate real-world driving conditions and provide a standardized way to compare the performance of different vehicles.
To conduct a NEDC test, a vehicle is driven on a chassis dynamometer, which simulates the resistance and inertia of driving on a road. The test is divided into four phases, each of which represents a different driving condition:
- Urban cycle: The urban cycle simulates driving in city traffic, with a mix of acceleration, braking, and idle periods. This phase is designed to represent a typical urban driving pattern and accounts for about 20% of the total test distance.
- Extra-urban cycle: The extra-urban cycle simulates driving on a highway or open road, with steady speeds and relatively few accelerations or decelerations. This phase is designed to represent a typical suburban or rural driving pattern and accounts for about 60% of the total test distance.
- Constant speed cycle: The constant speed cycle simulates driving at a constant speed of 90 km/h for a short distance.
- Cold start phase: The cold start phase simulates starting the vehicle from a cold condition and driving for a short distance.
Throughout the test, the vehicle’s fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and other emissions are measured using specialized equipment. The results of the test are used to provide consumers with information about the environmental performance of different vehicles.
Sources:
- European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/type-approval-vehicles-their-components-and
