India Mandates Global WLTP Vehicle Testing for Enhanced Real-World Accuracy
New Delhi: In a significant regulatory overhaul, the Indian government has mandated that all carmakers transition to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Test Procedure (WLTP) for vehicle certifications starting April 2027. This move replaces the decades-old Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) standard, aligning India with stringent European testing protocols to ensure emissions and performance data better reflect real-world driving conditions.
Transition to Stricter Testing Standards
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways officially notified the adoption of WLTP under the BS6 emission norms, marking a pivotal shift in automotive compliance. Unlike the MIDC, which involves shorter tests at lower speeds with gentle acceleration, WLTP employs longer, more rigorous assessments at higher speeds across varied driving scenarios. This results in more realistic measurements of fuel efficiency, pollutant levels, and electric vehicle (EV) range, though it may initially increase compliance costs for manufacturers.
Implications for Consumers and Automakers
For consumers, this transition promises an end to overly optimistic lab results, providing accurate data on fuel economy and EV range that mirrors actual on-road performance. However, vehicles will officially record higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and lower mileage under WLTP, as tests are designed to simulate aggressive acceleration and braking events. Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), emphasized that this change ensures compliance closely matches real-world vehicle performance on Indian roads.
Automakers, on the other hand, face potential cost escalations. Gurudas Nulkar, Professor and Director at the Centre for Sustainable Development, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, noted that switching systems imposes expenses on manufacturers, likely passed on to consumers through higher vehicle prices. The new standards also mandate active diagnostic systems to prevent undetected emission faults, prioritizing social value over private profit.
Alignment with Global Benchmarks
By adopting WLTP, India brings its vehicle standards in line with international benchmarks, facilitating easier exports of Indian-made vehicles. This harmonization follows the European Union's 2018 transition, which a January 2024 ICCT study found reduced the gap between real-world and tested CO2 emissions from 33% to just 7%. The shift is part of broader efforts to prepare for the third iteration of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, which set maximum emission targets for automakers.
Key Takeaways from the Regulatory Shift
- All carmakers must transition from MIDC to WLTP for BS6 compliance by April 2027.
- Consumers will receive more accurate real-world fuel-efficiency and EV-range data.
- Vehicles will officially show higher CO2 emissions and lower mileage under WLTP.
- Compliance and R&D costs may rise for manufacturers, affecting consumer prices.
- Adopting WLTP aligns India with European standards, boosting export potential.
This regulatory update underscores the government's commitment to enhancing transparency and environmental accountability in the automotive sector, while balancing industry challenges and consumer benefits.
