WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure. This worldwide harmonized testing procedure for light-duty vehicles describes a new testing method to determine a vehicle’s fuel consumption. This procedure is based on real recorded driving data and helps to simulate realistic driving even under laboratory conditions. That is why WLTP not only takes into consideration various situations and speeds but also a vehicle’s different equipment variants and weight classes. 

A vehicle's actual consumption may differ from the information provided by the manufacturer. That is why the reliability of the results measured using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) has always been criticized. This is due to the fact that real consumption is highly dependent on individual driving behavior and the vehicle’s equipment. One example is whether a vehicle is primarily used in the inner city, on rural roads or the highway. To address these differences, the theoretical framework of the NEDC has been revised to reflect a more dynamic driving profile. Drawing on statistical surveys and the analysis of average user profiles, this profile features higher acceleration, a higher average speed and a higher maximum speed. Instead of combining simulated urban and extra-urban driving, the vehicle is now tested in four phases and speed ranges. 

The exhaust and consumption values measured as per WLTP must be specified for all new passenger vehicle models launched as of 1 September 2017. This applies in Europe and many other countries worldwide. 

Since September 2017, new passenger cars launched onto the market must be provided with new consumption figures calculated according to the new WLTP standard. WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure. This is a worldwide standardized testing procedure for determining fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Find out what this means for you and your Volkswagen. 

The new testing procedure has a modified driving cycle and stricter test specifications. These include a longer time span for the measurement along with a higher maximum speed. The changes at a glance:

Four speeds are measured on the rolling test bed after a cold start: up to 60, up to 80, up to 100 and more than 130 km/h. The vehicle brakes and accelerates repeatedly within these phases. The maximum speed is, thus, 10 km an hour higher than the NEDC. In addition, the average speed of approximately 47 km/h is also significantly higher (previously approx. 33 km/h). A temperature of 23°C is specified for the testing chamber. Previously, the NEDC required 20-30° C. The entire WLTP driving cycle lasts approximately 30 minutes. In contrast, the NEDC only requires 20 minutes. The distance has been more than doubled to 23 instead of 11 kilometers. Unlike the NEDC, WLTP takes into account specific optional extras and how they influence the weight, aerodynamics and energy consumption (standby current). Optional extras that consume energy, such as the air-conditioning or seat heating, remain switched off during the testing process.