New emissions testing standards will give drivers a clearer picture

The method by which vehicle emissions are calculated changed this autumn. And while it may initially look as though some makes and models have become less efficient than before, in reality the consumption is the same but the measurements are simply more accurate.

By Paul Crowhurst, group corporate sales manager, Bowker

The new testing procedure is known as Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (or WLTP) and became the standard throughout the EU from this September.

Among the changes are significantly stricter test conditions, higher speeds and substantially longer tests - 30 minutes long instead of 20.

This will produce two values for each type of vehicle: the lowest and highest possible standard consumption value according to aerodynamics, weight and rolling resistance. No testing method is perfect. Emissions are affected by factors such as driving technique, climate, the type of road, whether the air conditioning is on and how full the boot is.

In addition to WLTP, the Real Driving Emissions standard will also be compulsory for all vehicle manufacturers throughout Europe.

Fleet buyers can have confidence that the full range of BMW Group vehicles is compliant with the new testing requirements and offers a more compelling value proposition than ever before.

BMW employs various technologies to reduce the pollutant values of its models. BMW BluePerformance, for example, reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides in diesel engines, and nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

As of September all manufacturers will be obliged to test in accordance with WLTP for vehicles sold in the EU. To begin with, you will see WLTP communicated with a calculation translating it back to NEDC values which will make the figures easier to understand. Ultimately, by December 2020, all countries that adopt the EU legislation for vehicle registration will have to indicate and communicate WLTP values for all vehicles.