Will the WLTP test affect CO2 targets?

The CO2 targets that car manufacturers have to meet by 2021 are based on the old NEDC test, the so-called New European Driving Cycle. From the introduction of the new WLTP test in September 2017, the WLTP-CO2 values will be translated back to NEDC-equivalent values to monitor compliance against the CO2 targets set by the European Union

A ‘correlation exercise’ was carried out by the European Commission to determine how the values for new cars measured on the WLTP cycle will be translated back to NEDC equivalent values for monitoring against the EU CO2 targets. Given that the European Commission has tightened the test conditions for NEDC, it will be more challenging for manufacturers to meet their targets.

A comparison of new WLTP-CO2 values and NEDC CO2 values over the period of transition from NEDC to WLTP will be the basis for the European Commission to calculate WLTP-specific targets for 2020. These revised targets are required by EU legislation to be of ‘comparable stringency’ to the current CO2 targets based on the NEDC test.

Then, as of 2020, the member states and the European Commission will start to monitor the WLTP values of new cars against manufacturers’ new CO2 target values based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

What is WLTP and how does it work?

What is the purpose of the WLTP lab test?

What are the benefits of WLTP?

From NEDC to WLTP: What will change?

When will the WLTP changes take place?

How to ensure a smooth transition to WLTP?

Transition Timeline: From NEDC to WLTP

From September 2017

Cars type approved using NEDC before September 2017 can still be sold.
WLTP type approval testing will be introduced for new car types.
Some cars will have ‘old’ NEDC values, while others will already be certified under the new WLTP conditions.
The industry would like to start using WLTP-based results for general consumer information (eg sales brochures and websites).
During the period of transition (up until the end of 2018), only NEDC values should be used on labels and information in dealerships to enable consumers to compare different cars.
It is expected that national tax regulations will continue to be based on NEDC values.

The same car suddenly has two different CO2 values, why is this?

The NEDC value of a car suddenly increased, what happened?

From September 2018

All new cars must be certified according to the WLTP test procedure, and no longer on NEDC.
An exception should be made for end-of-series vehicles to allow for a limited number of unsold vehicles in stock that were approved under the old NEDC test to be sold for one more year.

Will my fuel consumption increase under WLTP?

From 1 January 2019

All cars in dealerships should have WLTP-CO2 values only to avoid any confusion among consumers, in the view of the automobile industry.
National governments should adjust vehicle taxation and fiscal incentives to WLTP values, respecting the principle that WLTP should not have a negative impact on consumers.

Will WLTP affect how much car tax I pay?