WLTP Procedure

The WLTP procedure (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) is the standard laboratory test used in Europe to measure the official fuel or energy consumption, CO2 emissions, pollutants and electric range of new cars and light vans. It replaced the older NEDC cycle with a more demanding test, and its figures now underpin vehicle taxation.

What the test measures

WLTP is run on a rolling road in a laboratory, following a standardised driving cycle split into phases from low to very high speed. For each vehicle version, it produces:

• fuel or electricity consumption;
• CO2 emissions, the value printed on registration documents;
• regulated pollutant emissions, checked against Euro standards;
• the electric range of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Compared with NEDC, the cycle is longer and more dynamic, with higher speeds, harder accelerations and shorter stops. It also accounts for optional equipment that adds weight or drag, so two versions of the same model can have different figures.

Why it replaced NEDC

NEDC was built on a theoretical driving profile and produced consumption and CO2 values that drivers rarely achieved. WLTP narrows that gap. As a result, official CO2 values are generally higher under WLTP than under NEDC for the same car. Laboratory tests are complemented by real driving emissions (RDE) tests on the road for pollutants.

Why it matters for a fleet

• Taxation: in France, WLTP CO2 values feed the registration penalty and company vehicle taxes, so they weigh on the total cost of each car. The environmental penalty article explains the link.
• Car policy: CO2 caps in a car policy are expressed in WLTP values.
• Range planning: WLTP range is a useful comparison between electric models, but real range varies with speed, temperature and load.
• Reporting: catalogue values are a starting point, but real consumption gives a truer fleet carbon footprint.

How Dadycar helps

Dadycar is a French fleet management software that sets WLTP values against real use. Fuel consumption tracking compares actual consumption with official figures, vehicle by vehicle, and highlights unusual gaps. Trips and mileage data show how electric vehicles really use their range. Cost allocation and ESG reporting builds emissions indicators from these data. Telematics works without a box on compatible connected vehicles, and data is hosted in France with OVHcloud.

FAQ

Why is my real consumption higher than the WLTP figure?
WLTP is a standardised lab test. Motorway speeds, cold weather, heavy loads and driving style all increase real consumption.

Does WLTP apply to heavy goods vehicles?
No. WLTP covers passenger cars and light commercial vehicles; heavy vehicles are certified under a different procedure.

Where can I find a vehicle's WLTP CO2 value?
On its certificate of conformity and its registration document, and in the manufacturer's technical data.