The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a new draft notification proposing the adoption of the more stringent WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) emission testing cycle in India. If implemented, this will replace the current testing method with a more realistic and globally aligned standard that measures fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions, and pollutant levels under conditions closer to the real world driving.
WLTP Testing Cycles for India
- WLTP testing cycles involve simulated real-world driving conditions to improve transparency in vehicle performance claims. Thus, it could provide more accurate images of the fuel efficiency (mileage) and emission figures for vehicles.
- For those unaware, the current MIDC method adopted in India is largely based on laboratory conditions. As a result, there is often a large gap between claimed figures and actual figures observed by buyers in real-world driving conditions.
- Since the WLTP testing cycle is stricter and more accurate than the existing method, the mileage claims on paper could be lower than the current claims. However, they are likely to be closer to real-world mileage.
- The draft notifications also propose that vehicle testing will be carried out on a chassis dynamometer, with regular checks conducted throughout the product’s lifecycle to ensure high accuracy and stricter compliance.
- Additionally, carmakers will also be required to display stickers indicating a vehicle’s compatibility with higher ethanol fuel blends such as E30, E85 and E100.
- The regulated emission limits will be the same as the existing BS6 norms. This suggests that vehicle prices are unlikely to be affected by these new testing protocols.
Also Read: Union Budget 2026-27: Key Announcements For India’s Automobile Sector
Which Vehicles Will Be Subject To WLTP Protocols?
These new protocols will be applicable to all M1 category passenger vehicles, which include all types of cars, SUVs and MPVs with a seating capacity of up to 9 occupants. This will also be applicable to M2 (9+ seats and below 5 tons GVW) and N1 (goods carriage under 3.5 tons GVW) categories.
Will WLTP Also Be Applicable to EVs?
As of now, the gazetted notification only mentions ICE vehicles being tested in the WLTP cycle, with no mention of electric vehicles. This suggests that EVs will continue to follow the MIDC cycle.
