You may have seen the acronym ‘WLTP’ flying around, particularly if you’ve been looking at purchasing a new vehicle, but what is it? In this guide, we’re giving you the lowdown on WLTP and how it might affect you.
The motor industry is full of jargon and technical lingo, which often makes it hard to understand exactly what’s going on. Luckily, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
What Does WLTP Mean?
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. Basically, it’s a lab test that applies to all new vehicles registered since September 2018, to check how they perform in everyday driving conditions.
In fact, it also applies to any new model that’s been introduced to the market since September 2017.
The tests are run by independent testers on vehicles that are provided to them by manufacturers, long before that manufacturer sells that model in its showrooms. Don’t worry – you won’t ever have to deal with WLTP tests yourself!
What is WLTP range and is it accurate?
WLTP range is determined by a test, carried out by the manufacturer, to find out how far an electric vehicle is able to travel on one charge. The test is carried out in a lab with a controlled environment, which means that it isn’t always 100% accurate. Real-world factors such as weather and terrain can also impact an EV's range, reducing the actual distance the vehicle is able to cover.
What Is The WLTP Cycle?
For a long time, all new vehicles have been subject to the NEDC test procedure, also known as the New European Driving Cycle. It was designed to test and assess a passenger vehicle’s emissions and fuel economy.
Last revised in the late 90s, the NEDC was widely criticised for delivering figures that weren’t achievable in the real world. That’s not to say the tests were intentionally misleading; they just weren’t exactly reflective of how a car would be used on a day-to-day basis by an average driver.
The WLTP test was introduced in place of the NEDC test, to provide a better representation of ‘real world’ CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
Basically, the WLTP test takes place over a longer distance than the now obsolete NEDC test, using higher top and average speeds, and lasting a greater amount of time. Unlike the NEDC test, the impact of all available optional equipment – such as bigger wheels or panoramic sunroofs – is considered in the WLTP cycle.
How Does WLTP Benefit You?
WLTP was introduced so that the driving figures that manufacturers publish are more reflective of real-world driving. That means the figures displayed on sites like ours for emissions and fuel economy should be more accurate. You won’t be able to find the WLTP figures on the vehicle itself but you can find them on this government website.
This will help you make a more informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next vehicle, as you’ll be able to better understand how much a vehicle will cost to run on a day-to-day basis. Maybe a particular car on your shortlist will cost you a bit more a month to buy, but if it’ll save you on the cost of fuel over a less expensive model, then perhaps it’s worth it.
Will this affect vehicle tax?
As well as fuel consumption, of course, WLTP will determine the CO2 emissions for a particular vehicle, and it is those CO2 emissions that determine how much Vehicle excise duty (VED) – or road tax – a vehicle is subject to.
First-year car tax rates for new cars from 1 April 2023:
CO2 emissions (g/km) / First-year VED rate
- 0 / 0
- 1-50 / £10
- 51-75 / £30
- 76-90 / £130
- 91-100 / £165
- 101-110 / £185
- 111-130 / £210
- 131-150 / £255
- 151-170 / £645
- 171-190 / £1040
- 191-225 / £1565
- 226-255 / £2220
- More than 255 / £2605
Which Vehicles Will be Affected by WLTP?
Any new model introduced since September 2017 and any new vehicle registered since September 2018 has been subject to WLTP testing.
Of course, that means any vehicle that is already on the roads before that 2018 date hasn’t undergone the WLTP testing, so its older NEDC-tested figures will remain applicable when it comes to deciding road tax.
What Else do You Need to Know About WLTP?
There’s another test called the RDE, or the Real Driving Emissions test, which measures the amount of Nitrogen Oxide and other pollutants emitted by a passenger vehicle.
The RDE Test
The RDE test is not meant to replace or overtake the WLTP test, but it is supposed to help provide a bigger, more complete picture about the environmental impact of each new vehicle.
During the RDE test, a vehicle is driven in a variety of realistic, real-world conditions, including different altitudes as well as in a range of temperatures.
Learn More About The Automotive Industry With JCT600
At JCT600, we love sharing our knowledge and making sure that all our customers know everything they need to comfortably navigate the world of automotive. For more insights and updates, keep an eye on our news page or, if you have any questions for our customer service team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.