[ad_1]
This could lead to major changes in the way vehicle efficiency and emissions are measured in Europe.
April 13, 2024 in 12:00 PM ET
As you review new cars in Europe, you start to notice that none of them meet the official World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) numbers. For internal combustion engine cars, you can’t quite match the official efficiency figures, but for electric cars, no matter how you drive them, you’ll always fall short of their advertised range.
The European Commission (EC) recently published data revealing the fact that the WLTP value for petrol or diesel cars is around 20%, and even worse for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
The EC mandated the installation of on-board fuel consumption monitoring devices (OBFCM), which became a legal requirement for passenger cars sold in Europe from 2021. The new report is based on efficiency data obtained from more than 617,000 vehicles. A study of 7,000 vans found that petrol models were on average 23.7% less efficient than WLTP claims, while diesel models were slightly better by an 18.1% difference.
WLTP is better than NEDC, but not as good as EPA
Although the WLTP test cycle is an improvement over the earlier NEDC, there is still room to improve accuracy to match the U.S. EPA test cycle.
For PHEVs, the difference is 3.5 times. Official estimates for most vehicles are less than 2 litres/100km (117 mpg), but consumption monitor data shows that PHEVs use an average of 4 litres/100km (58.8 mpg) in real-world driving. This large difference is explained by the fact that PHEV owners end up using more fuel because they don’t charge as often as their WLTP guidelines expect.
EC says this difference was expected, and after examining dozens of cars in Europe over the past few years, a 20% difference (more on petrol, less on diesel) is something I’ve always observed. Thing. This is also obvious to most car owners, many of whom use the Join our forums to discuss fuel economy.
The WLTP test cycle was introduced in 2017 and was announced as an improved version of the New European Driving Cycle, which was last updated 20 years ago in 1997. The new results announced by the EC will likely result in a similar transition to a new European driving cycle. It is a 2017-like exam standard and could be implemented in 2026.
As the number of vehicles on European roads increases and their efficiency and charging habits are monitored, the EC is expected to integrate even more data and help devise better testing methods in the coming years. Masu. Accurately represents efficiency and range.
The EPA test cycle used in the United States is significantly more accurate than WLTP and can provide a more accurate picture of a vehicle’s efficiency, as well as exceed official numbers for some vehicles. This is virtually impossible with WLTP numbers and is only achieved under rigorous laboratory conditions that cannot be replicated in the real world.
The ultimate goal is to enable people to drive more efficient vehicles, with fewer and fewer tailpipe emissions, and eventually fully electric cars. One of the report’s recommendations is to abolish the current carbon dioxide (CO2) regulations, set a target for each car manufacturer to achieve CO2 targets for all vehicle models, and have them sell EVs with the lowest set share. .
This could not only affect the dynamics of cars sold in Europe in the coming years, but could also force automakers to build smaller, lighter and more efficient cars. As a result, large SUVs may be abandoned in favor of models that boost efficiency and emissions figures across the manufacturer’s range.
[ad_2]
Source link
